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Asthma Care

Asthma is a long-term lung condition in which the airways become inflamed and narrowed, causing wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. There's no cure, but treatment and an asthma action plan can help you manage it.

Flare-ups and triggers

Triggers such as pollen, dust mites, mold, pets, cold air, smoke, air pollution, and colds or flu can set off symptoms. Use your reliever inhaler as soon as symptoms start, and follow your asthma action plan. You may be able to manage a mild flare-up at home. If a serious attack happens, or symptoms don't ease soon after your reliever medicine, you may need medical care.

When to seek care right away

NHLBI advises seeking care promptly if you have symptoms and have been hospitalized for asthma in the past year, recently needed oral corticosteroids, use more than one canister of reliever inhaler a month, or have a food allergy. Call 911 if your medicines aren't relieving an attack or breathing is still very hard. For young children, call 911 if they seem drowsy or confused, have a blue tint to the skin and lips, or have a fast heartbeat.

Go to the ER instead if you have:

What it costs

Visit costs vary, and breathing treatments or medicines may add to the bill. Ask for self-pay pricing. See the full Illinois cost guide.

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General health-services information, not medical advice. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.