Asthma is common and can be easily managed online, in most cases. Partner with your HealthTap doctor to treat your asthma symptoms, manage your asthma medications online, and create health goals to feel better.
Talk to a doctorAsthma is a condition that causes your airways to swell and narrow, and also may produce extra mucus. There are many different triggers, which include: air pollutants and irritants, respiratory infections, certain medications, stress, strong emotions, exercise, and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). These triggers can make your breathing difficult and cause wheezing (noisy breathing), difficulty talking, coughing, and shortness of breath. In some cases asthma is only a minor nuisance, but for others it can be a serious enough condition that it can interfere with daily activities and could lead to a life-threatening asthma attack.
If you have questions or believe you may have asthma, our HealthTap doctors are here for you. Schedule an appointment with your online primary care doctor.
Talk to a doctorIn some cases, asthma attacks can be dangerous and even life threatening if not treated in time. You should not wait for a mild asthma attack to go away on its own but instead speak to your doctor to make a plan and manage your asthma online. For a moderate or worse asthma attack, seek in-person emergency care.
The most common symptoms of asthma include:
CoughingWheezing (noisy breathing)Difficulty talkingPanic and anxietyChest painPale skin and sweatingBlue lips and fingernails
Asthma has to be diagnosed by a doctor, and the good news is HealthTap is here to help. A great first step is to book an online appointment with one of our primary care doctors. They will review your medical history and ask you some questions about your symptoms, health conditions or allergies, as well as any medications you are taking. Then, if needed they are able to order further tests and prescribe asthma medication online.
A few actions you can take to reduce the chances of having an asthma attack include:
Speak to your doctor about what can trigger an attack and avoid those things when possibleAvoid smokingGet a flu shot every yearTake any long-term (preventative) asthma medications your doctor prescribes
In addition to using your prescribed asthma inhaler, ways to help relieve the symptoms of an asthma attack include:
Take slow, deep breathsSit up straightStay calmDrink warm liquids
The two most common types of asthma treatment are medications to prevent an asthma attack and medications to take if you have an asthma attack. These asthma medications can come as an inhaler, pill, nebulizer solution, or oral liquid form.
There are some asthma medications that can be bought over the counter, but there is a risk of side effects and they may not be to best or right medication for you. With HealthTap it is quick, easy, and affordable to set up on an online appointment to speak with a doctor. Our primary care doctors will assess your symptoms and medical history, and if necessary, have the correct medications prescribed to you.
Cofounder and Chief Medical Officer, HealthTap
