Meet Olivia

Meet Olivia, a 32-year-old woman with mild asthma. Olivia is an active person–she goes on hikes with her friends, exercises often, and plays on a local adult softball team. One day, she decided to go on a jog with her friend, a routine activity she enjoys either solo or with company. In the middle of their run, Olivia began to feel tightness in her chest, along with a dry cough. Assuming it was just fatigue, she pressed on. Little did she know that these were signs of something more serious.

When Symptoms Worsen

Near the end of the run, she realized her symptoms weren’t going away. She and her friend came to a stop, and Olivia reached for her inhaler, hoping to alleviate her symptoms, but it didn’t work. She began clutching her chest, struggling to breathe–classic signs of a severe asthma attack. 

Asthma is a long-term condition that causes the airways in the lungs to narrow, making it difficult to breathe. This happens when the muscles around the airways tighten, and the lining becomes irritated and swollen, restricting airflow. 

Turning Point: Recognizing the Emergency

As she gasped for air, Olivia’s friend asked if she was ok, but Olivia could barely respond. She dropped to her knees, telling her friend she was having trouble breathing. Her wheezing caught the attention of nearby runners, who stopped to help. Olivia asked to go to the emergency room, but her friend recommended Surepoint Emergency Center, which is known for its fast, efficient care. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing a severe asthma attack, it’s crucial to recognize the signs. These include:

  • Blue lips or fingertips
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Chest tightness
  • Inability to speak in full sentences
  • Prolonged wheezing or coughing
  • No relief from rescue inhaler

Resolution: Care at Surepoint

Olivia and her friend arrived at Surepoint, where they were met with immediate attention from the front desk. The staff quickly recognized the urgency of her symptoms and brought her to the back for immediate care. ER staff administered oxygen, allowing her to take her first easy breath in what felt like forever. She also received a nebulizer treatment and a steroid injection to help her open up her airways. As she began to stabilize, she jokingly remembered–she never finished her run!

Before being discharged, Olivia was given a full overview of her condition, tips for managing triggers, and an updated asthma action plan. Olivia’s story is a reminder that this could happen to anyone, which is why it’s important to follow these tips for asthma prevention:

  • Use a daily controller if prescribed
  • Avoid triggers like smoke, pollen, and pet dander
  • Always carry your rescue inhaler
  • Get regular checkups and update your asthma action plan

Why Choose Surepoint Emergency Center?

At Surepoint, we’re equipped to handle any asthma-related emergencies. Here’s why patients trust us:

  • 24/7 care
  • On-site imaging and labs
  • Immediate medication
  • Respiratory support
  • Short average wait times

Olivia was an active individual and knowledgeable about her condition–yet, she still experienced a life-threatening emergency. Her situation could’ve happened to anyone. Asthma attacks don’t wait–and neither should you. Surepoint is open around the clock to treat children and adults alike with asthma-related issues. If you or a loved one are experiencing any severe asthma symptoms, don’t delay–visit your nearest Surepoint Emergency Center today!!!

Surepoint Emergency Center is a modern emergency medical facility open 24/7. As an alternative to the traditional hospital ER experience, we offer convenience and minimal wait time, along with highly-trained emergency medical staff and state-of-the-art equipment.

Our top priority is bringing high-quality emergency care, quickly and easily to your family. We are committed to making patients feel better faster in a comforting and compassionate environment.

Expert convenient care in your neighborhood.

      References

      Mayo Clinic Staff. (2023, October 5). Asthma Attack – Symptoms and Causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma-attack/symptoms-causes/syc-20354268