Learn About Respiratory Problems & When to Go to the ER
Breathing is effortless for most of us and something we hardly think of until we have trouble breathing.
Feeling short of breath during and after physical exertion is expected; however, it’s naturally alarming when you have trouble breathing for no immediately apparent reason.
There are many reasons why we experience respiratory problems during our lives. Some are mild and won’t require immediate medical attention; others can be life-threatening when left untreated. Therefore, learning to distinguish the signs of a potential medical emergency is vital.
Signs of a Breathing Emergency
Shortness of breath is always a red-alert symptom. Whenever you experience breathing problems that are severe enough to disrupt your daily activities or function, you should call 911 or have someone drive you to the nearest emergency room that can treat you.
Additionally, please head to the ER if any of the following symptoms accompany your shortness of breath:
- Chest pain
- Dizziness or loss of consciousness
- Pain that spreads or radiates to your arms, neck, jaw, or back
- Sweating
- Rapid heartbeat
- Fever
- Cough could be dry or produce thick phlegm
- Severe allergic reaction
Common Breathing Problems Treated in Our ER
Most people visit the ER for respiratory problems related to one of the following:
- Severe Asthma
- Severe Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis)
- Pneumonia
- Heart Attack
- Pulmonary Embolism (blood clot in the lungs)
Severe Asthma Symptoms
Any asthma attack that does not respond well to rescue inhalers requires medical attention.
Symptoms to look for include:
- A whistling sound when breathing
- Persistent cough
- Labored breathing that makes it difficult to speak
- Tightness in the neck and chest
- Paleness in the face
Severe Allergic Reaction Symptoms
- Swollen airways
- Rash
- Hives
- Nausea
Pneumonia Symptoms
- Feeling extremely fatigued
- Persistent cough, which may be dry or produce thick phlegm
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Chest pain
- Tightness in the chest area, arm, and neck
- Enlarged lymph nodes in the back of the neck
- Muscle aches
- Sweating and shivering
- Dizziness
- Feeling confused or disoriented, particularly in elderly people
- Loss of appetite
Heart Attack Symptoms
- Shortness of breath
- Pain, pressure, or discomfort in your chest area that lasts more than a few minutes
- Pain or discomfort in one or both arms and shoulders
- Pain in the jaw, neck, or back
- Feeling weak, lightheaded, or faint
Pulmonary Embolism Symptoms
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Sharp chest pain
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Feeling Lightheaded or dizzy
- Bluish skin
- Spitting up blood
Preventing Respiratory Problems
To help protect your lungs, The American Lung Association recommends the following:
Don’t Smoke
Smoking cigarettes is a leading cause of lung cancer; moreover, smoke from cigarettes can narrow air passages making it harder to breathe.
If you’re a smoker, it’s never too late to benefit from quitting.
Prevent Infections
Respiratory viruses like those that cause the common cold, flu, and COVID-19 can become serious and even life-threatening.
To protect yourself, remember to:
- Wash your hands
- Avoid crowds and keep a minimum physical distance of 6-feet when out in public
- Get vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19
- If you do get sick, stay home, and call your doctor if your symptoms worsen
If your symptoms become severe, please go to the nearest ER for treatment.
Exercise
Physical activity is an excellent way to help keep your lungs healthy. As little as 30 minutes a day of moderate exercise will provide significant benefits to your overall health.
Avoid Air Pollutants Indoors and Outdoors
Prolonged exposure to second-hand smoke, chemicals, fumes from cleaning products, and vehicle emissions can all damage our lungs. Try to minimize being in places with poor air ventilation and exercising outdoors on bad air days.
If you experience sudden shortness of breath that affects your ability to function normally or if you have a severe asthma attack that is not responding to your rescue inhaler, please seek immediate emergency care at the nearest Prestige ER near you. Our doctors are here to help you breathe a sigh of relief.
HealthCare.gov recommends that in case of an emergency, you head straight to the closest ER.
You DO NOT need to get prior approval from your health insurance company.
They will cover expenses barring whatever your deductible and coinsurance/copayments are for emergency treatments.
Prestige ER is open and ready to care for you during an emergency in which your health is significantly jeopardized 24/7, we work with all major insurance companies and our Patient Advocate team is available to help you understand your coverage and rights. We will guide and fight for you every step of the way.
They will cover expenses barring whatever your deductible and coinsurance/copayments are for emergency treatments.
Prestige ER is open and ready to care for you during an emergency in which your health is significantly jeopardized 24/7, we work with all major insurance companies and our Patient Advocate team is available to help you understand your coverage and rights. We will guide and fight for you every step of the way. For more information regarding your rights as a patient, view our Insurance Information.
Know Where to Go in the Event of an Emergency
Prestige ER is Your #1 Choice During an Emergency.
#WeStayOPEN 24/7, through weekends & all holidays!
Prestige ER is honored to serve the residents and those living or passing through Plano, Mesquite, and surrounding cities.
Part of caring for your health is to know where to go in case of an emergency. Please keep in mind that Prestige ER is Open 24/7 every day of the year, if you need us, we are here for you.
We are available 24/7 because an accident can happen at any time. Do not risk your health! Get help from the ER experts when you need it, visit us immediately in Plano or Mesquite.
#1 Medical Emergency Care in Plano and Mesquite, Texas
Find the ER Specialists at prestigeer.org, We provide the Best 24 HR. Emergency Medical Services in Plano and our newest facility in Mesquite, TX. Don’t Wait in Line for ER Care! Don’t forget that WE STAY OPEN 24/7.
Get back on track to enjoying life, FAST! Experienced, Effective and Caring Emergency Physicians team up with the best On-Site ER care for everything from Minor to Major Injuries and Conditions.
- CT Scan, Digital X-Ray & Ultrasound
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- Extended Stay Capacity
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