Asthma Diagnosis and Treatment

Asthma and breathing problems can make you feel like you’ve completely lost control. One minute, everything is fine, and the next, you’re fighting to take in enough oxygen. If you’re unable to do so, your body will struggle to perform basic functions, creating a medical emergency. While you might be able to use asthma medications or inhalers at home to manage the symptoms, that’s not always the case. Find out when you should consult with your primary care provider and when a trip to Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care is in order.

Contact Your Primary Care Provider with These Asthma Symptoms

If you are under a doctor’s care for asthma, your primary care provider can help you manage most symptoms. Contact your doctor if you experience:

  • Weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Difficulty with everyday activities
  • Persistent cough
  • Wheezing after taking medications

Call 911 or Visit the Emergency Room with These Symptoms

Breathing problems can also be serious emergencies that require immediate medical intervention. Call 911 or visit Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care if:

  • Your lips or nostrils have a bluish tint
  • You are taking at least 30 breaths a minute
  • The condition doesn’t improve with asthma medication
  • It’s hard to walk and talk
  • Your nostrils flare when inhaling

Diagnosing Breathing Problems

If you are having trouble breathing, the team at Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care will diagnose the problem. We have a full range of diagnostic testing equipment, including chest X-rays, lung function tests and oxygen tests. In addition, your doctor will conduct a physical exam. 

After analyzing the test results, your doctor can provide a diagnosis. Your condition could be related to asthma, emphysema, pneumonia, heart disease or allergies. It’s even possible that you’re experiencing panic attacks, making it hard to breathe.

Treating the Conditions

Next, your doctor will provide treatment to help you breathe. This could include asthma inhalers and other medication. As a full-service ER and urgent care, you can get the medications you need at Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care.

Struggling for air is terrifying on its own. It’s even more frightening when you have additional symptoms, such as blue lips and difficulty walking and talking. Don’t hesitate to visit Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care if you can’t get enough oxygen. We have five locations throughout Hamilton County and can diagnose and treat you quickly.

However, if the emergency is so great that you aren’t sure you can make it to the emergency room, call 911. Then, you can receive immediate assistance.

Riverview Health Emergency Room & Urgent Care now has five locations open in Carmel, Fishers, West Carmel/Zionsville, Westfield Hospital and Noblesville Hospital.