Respiratory Issue Treatment Sterling, VA
Respiratory issues affect the most natural activities we do throughout the day, from breathing to talking and eating. Over-the-counter-medications may provide temporary relief of symptoms, but they often produce side effects that mitigate treatment. As an urgent care facility, we can provide efficient and effective treatment for a multitude of health problems, including general respiratory issues.
Despite advancements in modern medicine and technology, many people avoid seeking treatment when sick or find lengthy wait times for primary care physicians. To avoid spending hours waiting in a hospital emergency room or weeks to see a doctor, an urgent care facility allows patients to seek medical treatment without the hassle. We provide flexible hours, effective treatment, prompt care, and do not require an appointment. Call us today at (703) 665-3242 to find out more.
Respiratory Issues
Respiratory issues refer to conditions or symptoms that result from breathing problems and affect the respiratory tract. The most common respiratory conditions are asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), chronic bronchitis, emphysema, lung cancer, cystic fibrosis, and pneumonia. Of these, asthma and COPD are the most prevalent, affecting 25 million and 14.7 million people, respectively.
Understanding the cause, specific symptoms, and diagnosis of a respiratory issue can eliminate many conditions that develop as a result of untreated breathing problems. At the same time, many respiratory issues are affected by other conditions, and mitigating their symptoms can improve a patient's overall health. Treatment for respiratory issues always involves opening up the airways for better breathing, which benefits the body regardless of health.
“Of these, asthma and COPD are the most prevalent, affecting 25 million and 14.7 million people, respectively.”
Causes of Respiratory Issues
Individuals may be born with respiratory issues, acquire them during childhood, or develop them over time due to environmental changes. The leading causes of respiratory issues are allergies and asthma, often linked together or acquired at the same time. Chronic breathing problems and allergies are long-term and largely affect the respiratory system as they block the airways and tighten the chest.
Your nasal passage is a pathway for viruses and allergens to enter your lungs. Therefore, the nose and sinuses are often linked with many lung disorders. Sinus or nasal passage inflammation may trigger asthma attacks and the number one trigger for asthma is allergies. The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology found that more than 50 million Americans have allergies and 24 million American people have asthma, making respiratory issues one of the most prevalent problems of our time.
“Of these, asthma and COPD are the most prevalent, affecting 25 million and 14.7 million people, respectively.”
Symptoms of Respiratory Conditions
Respiratory issues often produce signs and symptoms aside from breathing difficulties. Since symptoms of these conditions can blend together or seem like symptoms of other conditions, proper diagnosing the condition is essential to recovery. Common symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Pain when breathing or coughing
- Regular chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty sleeping due to breathing issues
- Phlegm
While these are all similar symptoms of asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia, each condition can have its own level of severity and complications. After a thorough discussion regarding the patient's medical and family history, allergies, illnesses, past procedures, and current symptoms, we can identify the cause and recommend an effective treatment.
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Respiratory Issues We Treat
It is important to note that treatment may be different for each patient. The age and health of the patient can also affect the overall treatment process. As an urgent care facility, we can help you receive customized care promptly. General respiratory conditions that we can help treat include:
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Chest pain
- Allergic reactions
- Asthma attacks
We can treat upper and lower respiratory infections along with upper respiratory infections. Upper infections refer to colds, flus, laryngitis, and tonsillitis while lower infections refer to bronchitis, pneumonia, and tuberculosis. Treating infections early on prevents further damage for developing in the lungs and airways, clearing the respiratory system. If the infection or condition is too severe, we may refer the patient to an emergency room or hospital for more intensive treatment.
“Treating infections early on prevents further damage for developing in the lungs and airways, clearing the respiratory system.”
Questions Answered on This Page
Q. What are respiratory issues?
Q. What are the most common causes of respiratory issues?
Q. What are symptoms of respiratory conditions?
People Also Ask
Q. When does a sinus infection require medical care?
Q. What are the risk factors associated with asthma?
Q. What are the different types of allergies?
Urgent Care Treatment
During the examination process, we will find the source of the respiratory issue, not only treat the symptoms for it. For instance, if a patient suspects they have asthma, we will run tests, such as a spirometry and a test known as a methacholine challenge, to determine this and classify the type of asthma. Once we know the severity, we will prescribe a specific medication for the patient. Many people are able to lead comfortable and healthy lives with asthma once they find the most effective treatment.
While some cases of bronchitis progress over several weeks, people may not be able to endure the symptoms or have certain roles that require extensive use of the throat. We can help to find a treatment that works for the patient in a fairly lower span of time. While antibiotics will not work on viral infections, such as bronchitis, we may use antibiotics if the cause seems to be due to a bacterial infection. When treating pneumonia, we may recommend antibiotics but will need to review the severity of the symptoms first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How can I prevent acquiring a respiratory issue from the environment?
A. It is important to take care of your airways and lungs, even if you do not have allergies or pre-existing conditions, to prevent life-threatening complications from developing. It is recommended to use an air purifier/humidifier in the house, especially in the room in which you sleep. Also, living in an area with low pollution, smoke, and smog can greatly lower your chances of developing a respiratory issue.
Q. What is ARDS and does it develop from untreated respiratory issues?
A. Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome is an acute illness that results in moderate to a severe loss of lung function. More people suffer from ARDS than breast cancer and AIDS every year. ARDS develops as a result of untreated pneumonia, sepsis (an overwhelming infection in the body), aspiration of fumes, food or stomach contents into the lung, and trauma. These conditions cause the body to manufacture substances that may cause inflammation in the lungs.
Q. What are the risks of untreated respiratory issues?
A. Many respiratory issues, including asthma and certain severe allergies as well as frequent asthma attacks, can lead to respiratory failure. There is also an increased chance of developing cancer, increased mortality, more frequent asthma attacks, and increased incidences of lower respiratory infections.
Q. Who is more at risk for acquiring a respiratory issue?
A. Risk factors for chronic respiratory diseases include tobacco smoking (including second-hand smoke), air pollution, allergens, and occupational risks. Outdoor air pollution and indoor air pollution (often caused by cooking with solid fuels) are also common causes. Those with respiratory issues in their family history are more likely to develop them over time.
Q. How can I clean my lungs at home?
A. Steam therapy, or steam inhalation, involves inhaling water vapor to open the airways and help the lungs drain mucus. Using a large pot, boil water, place your head over the pot once boiled, cover your head with a towel, and inhale the water through your nose and out through the mouth. Other ways include: controlled coughing, drain mucus from the lungs, exercise, green tea, anti-inflammatory foods, and chest percussions.
Start Feeling Better – Visit Us Today
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with stronger medication and treatment options instead of ineffective store-bought products.
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Definitions
Do Not Delay
If you need treatment due to any of the symptoms above or another condition, visit us today. We can also provide follow-up care after the initial appointment to keep tabs on the treatment.
Helpful Related Links
- American Journal of Medicine. American Journal of Medicine. 2023
- American Medical Association (AMA). American Medical Association (AMA). 2023
- American Medical Society For Sports Medicine (AMSSM). American Medical Society For Sports Medicine. 2023
- American Trauma Society. American Trauma Society. 2023
- John Hopkins Medicine Orthopaedic Surgery. John Hopkins Medicine Orthopaedic Surgery. 2023
- National Council on Aging. National Council on Aging. 2023
- Orthopaedic Surgery: Association of American Medical Colleges. Orthopaedic Surgery: Association of American Medical Colleges. 2023
- Radiological Society of North America. Radiological Society of North America. 2023
About our business and website security
- Millennium Medical Care Stone Springs was established in 2023.
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- We serve patients from the following cities: South Riding, Brambleton, Sterling, Ashburn, and Aldie
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