When Should I See a Doctor for Respiratory Issues?

Any changes in your breathing require a medical evaluation to be on the safe side, especially if your issues come on suddenly or won’t go away.

The providers at Primary Care Walk-In Medical Clinic recommend that you schedule a diagnostic evaluation for respiratory issues as soon as possible, so you can get the treatment you need. They provide on-site diagnostic testing to identify what’s at the root of your issues and customize treatment plans to help you feel better fast.

Common respiratory issues to watch out for

Respiratory issues describe conditions that affect your ability to breathe and supply your body with the oxygen it needs to function.

Signs you might have a respiratory issue can include:

• Grunting
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Shallow breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Color changes in the skin
• Changes in breathing rate

Other symptoms like sweating and nose flaring might also accompany breathing issues. If you feel faint or lose consciousness, it’s imperative that you seek immediate medical attention by calling 911.

What’s causing your respiratory issues

Respiratory issues can result from a number of different health conditions and environmental situations. We can diagnose and treat a variety of these conditions in-office, including:

• Flu
• Asthma
• Sinusitis
• Allergies
• Bacterial infections (strep throat)
• Viral infections (colds and pneumonia)

Respiratory issues and distress are also common side effects of the COVID-19 virus. Because of how contagious and complex this disease is, it’s vital that you schedule a diagnostic evaluation with our team at Primary Care Walk-In Medical Clinic as soon as possible, especially if you’re not vaccinated.

Treatment options for respiratory issues

The goal of treating respiratory issues is to stabilize your oxygen levels and ensure your airways are open, so you can breathe properly. Depending on the results of your diagnostic testing, we can offer treatments like:

Medications

Medications like antihistamines to reduce inflammation and antibiotics to clear an infection are often effective at quickly improving your respiratory health.

If you have asthma, you might need inhaled medications that open your airways, so you can breathe easier.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a treatment option for chronic allergies that interfere with your breathing. The therapy involves exposing your body to small amounts of known allergens over time to reduce your body’s reaction.

COVID-19 care

If you have respiratory issues that result from the COVID-19 virus, you will need to isolate yourself from others for at least 10 days. Our team can provide you with guidance for easing your symptoms and monitoring your respiratory health.

 If you have difficulty breathing, you might need to stay in the hospital for individualized care services like supplemental oxygen and more advanced lung treatments.

Get long-term respiratory protection

Our team at Primary Care Walk-In Medical Clinic will continue to monitor your treatment for respiratory issues no matter the cause. We can make changes to your treatment plan to keep you feeling good and ensure you recover fully and also offer chronic disease management services for asthma and other conditions.

You can also get immunizations in-office to protect you from pneumonia and other contagious diseases that can cause respiratory issues.

Call the Primary Care Walk-In Medical Clinic nearest you or book an appointment online today to schedule respiratory testing. You can also visit the practice as a walk-in.