Urgent & Emergency Care for Breathing & Respiratory Issues

When to See Us for Breathing & Respiratory Issues

Healthy breathing is natural and easy – so easy that you rarely think about it. We only tend to notice our breathing when it becomes strained or difficult. Experiencing any of the following may point to a potential respiratory problem:

• Anxiety or disorientation
• Being out of breath after minimal exertion
• Labored breathing on a regular basis
• Lips or fingers turning blue
• Sustained coughing or wheezing
• Dizziness or feeling faint
• Hyperventilation
• Nausea.

Any difficulties in breathing that aren’t temporary – say, the result of exercise – should receive medical attention. Respiratory problems are associated with an array of causes and conditions, including allergies, asthma, heart disease, hypertension, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) among others.

If you or a loved one is having chronic or critical breathing issues, seek help. To see a list of the most common respiratory conditions, please visit our Pulmonary Care section.

Remember that our emergency room is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.