Shortness of Breath: 24-Hour Emergency Treatment in Fort Worth
Being a Fort Worth resident, you may often deal with throat irritation, chest tightness, cough and trouble breathing. The American Lung Association ranks Fort Worth as one of the top 25 worst cities in the country for ozone pollution.1 Ozone exposure makes your lungs prone to infections and tighten your airways. No wonder we see so many people in our Fort Worth ER with breathing problems.
Cedar fever is another major culprit behind respiratory issues in Fort Worth. If you’ve asthma or a heart condition, a little trouble breathing can become a full blown crisis. Even if you don’t have any health issues, shortness of breath is never something to ignore.
Keep reading to find out why ER Fort Worth is the go-to facility for handling shortness of breath and getting you back to breathing normal.
9 Common Shortness of Breath Causes
If you ask “Why do I get short of breath?” aside from ozone and particle pollution, there are plenty of other possible causes. Some of the most common ones include:
Asthma
Asthma
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Pneumonia
Pneumonia
Heart problems
Heart problems
Shortness of Breath and Acid Reflux
Shortness of Breath and Acid Reflux
Anemia
Anemia
Anxiety
Anxiety
Allergic Reactions
Allergic Reactions
Respiratory infections
Respiratory infections
Symptoms to Go To the ER Fort Worth for Shortness of Breath
Some cases of shortness of breath require urgent medical attention. Go to the ER if you have these symptoms:
- Can’t catch your breath, even when resting
- Chest pain or tightness
- Confusion or dizziness
- Lips, face, or nails turning blue
- Wheezing that doesn’t improve
- Shortness of breath and fatigue
Shortness of Breath Treatment at ER Fort Worth
Please don’t remain home thinking about how to get rid of shortness of breath. Breathing should be effortless and when it’s not head to the ER Fort Worth. Here’s our step-by-step approach to shortness of breath cure.
Step 1: Oxygen Therapy
In the ER in Fort Worth, the first step for treating shortness of breath is usually supplemental oxygen therapy. We provide oxygen through a nasal cannula (small tubes in the nostrils) or an oxygen mask. This raises oxygen levels and breathing becomes easier.
Our expert medical staff will closely monitor your blood oxygen levels to ensure you receive the right amount of oxygen.
Step 2: Identifying the Cause
While giving oxygen, the medical team at ER Fort Worth checks for the root cause of your shortness of breath. Since it can be caused by a lot of different things, we run some tests:
- Chest X-rays: A chest X-ray gives a quick look at your lungs and heart. It helps spot pneumonia, fluid buildup, lung infections, or collapsed lungs.
- CT Scan: A CT scan diagnose blood clots (pulmonary embolism), lung diseases, or tumors that a regular X-ray might miss.
- EKG (Electrocardiogram): It checks your heart’s electrical activity to rule out heart attacks, or heart failure (that make breathing difficult).
- Blood Tests: Blood tests measure specific markers like hemoglobin levels or cardiac troponins to look for infections, anemia, or heart problems.
Step 3: Treatment Based on the Cause
Once the expert doctors at ER Fort Worth pinpoint the cause, they start treatment right away:
- Asthma or Allergies: If an asthma attack or allergic reaction is making it hard to breathe, they’ll give you inhalers, steroids, or an epinephrine shot (if it’s severe).
- Infections (Pneumonia or Bronchitis): Antibiotics and breathing treatments help open up the lungs.
- Heart-Related Issues: If the problem is related to heart failure or a heart attack, they’ll use medications to reduce fluid buildup and stabilize your condition.
- Panic Attacks: You may get calming techniques, oxygen, or mild medication to help ease symptoms. A mental health professional may assess the situation and discuss further treatment options.
- Pulmonary Embolism or Blood Clots: Blood thinners for clot-dissolving drugs may be needed.
Why Choose ER Fort Worth for Shortness of Breath Treatment
At ER Fort Worth, we understand how scary shortness of breath can be. Here’s how we ensure your safety, comfort, and proper care:
- Proper Diagnosis: Our team never assumes it’s “just anxiety.” We perform thorough evaluations to rule out serious conditions like asthma, heart issues, or infections.
- Advance Medical Equipment: ER Fort Worth has the advanced diagnostic equipment and imaging techniques to get to the bottom of your breathing issues fast.
- Transparent Pricing: We accept most insurance plans and offer clear pricing information. We never want finances to stop you from getting the care you need.
- Open 24/7: ER, Fort Worth is open 24/7, ready to handle breathing emergencies and provide immediate care.
Why Choose ER Fort Worth for Shortness of Breath Treatment
Shortness of breath is no joke. If you’re gasping, wheezing, or struggling to breathe, head to ER Fort Worth right away. Waiting too long could result in permanent damage or even be fatal. The sooner you get checked out, the sooner you can feel better and breathe easy again.
ER Fort Worth is open 24/7, and we’ve got the right tools and expertise to help you breathe easy again.
FAQs
How do I know if my shortness of breath is serious?
If it’s sudden, severe, or comes with chest pain, dizziness, or blue lips, go to the ER immediately.
Can a Cough Cause Trouble Breathing?
Yes a bad cough can make it feel like you can’t breathe. Cough and trouble breathing could be from a cold, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). If you have a severe cough that lasts more than a few weeks, or make it hard to breathe, it’s best to seek medical help.
