FLORIDA'S ONLY JOINT COMMISSION-ACCREDITED URGENT CARE
FLORIDA'S ONLY JOINT COMMISSION-ACCREDITED URGENT CARE · ONE OF JUST 8 NATIONWIDE
FLORIDA'S ONLY JOINT COMMISSION-ACCREDITED URGENT CARE
FLORIDA'S ONLY JOINT COMMISSION-ACCREDITED URGENT CARE · ONE OF JUST 8 NATIONWIDE
Same-visit nebulizer treatment, oral/IV corticosteroids, inhaler prescriptions, and pulse oximetry monitoring. Walk in any time we are open.
Joint Commission accredited. Physician on shift every day. Most insurance accepted.
Yes. TrufaMED treats acute asthma exacerbations on a walk-in basis, seven days a week, under physician supervision. A nebulizer treatment is typically started within minutes of triage. The average visit — physician evaluation, back-to-back nebulizer treatments, corticosteroid dose, and discharge — runs about 60 to 90 minutes.
Featured Answer
An asthma flare is an emergency when your rescue inhaler is not working, when you cannot finish a sentence, or when your lips or fingertips are turning dusky. At TrufaMED a board-certified physician evaluates you on arrival, places you on pulse oximetry, starts nebulized albuterol (with ipratropium if severe), and delivers systemic corticosteroids to shorten the flare and prevent relapse. Most patients walk out breathing easier with a written asthma action plan.
Acute asthma is time-sensitive. The faster bronchodilators and steroids are given, the faster the airways open and the lower the risk of a rebound attack over the next 72 hours. Our urgent care is built to move fast: triage, pulse ox, and the first nebulizer treatment start in the same visit flow.
A patient presenting with wheezing, chest tightness, cough, or shortness of breath is triaged on arrival. Vital signs, pulse oximetry, and a focused respiratory exam happen in the first five to ten minutes. If the presentation is consistent with an asthma flare, nebulized albuterol (2.5 mg in 3 mL normal saline) is started immediately — often before the full history is complete. In moderate-to-severe flares, ipratropium bromide (500 mcg) is added to the first one to three nebulizer treatments.
Standard practice for a moderate flare is three back-to-back nebulizer treatments over the first hour, with reassessment of breath sounds, work of breathing, and oxygen saturation after each. Patients who respond well after one or two treatments are transitioned to systemic steroids and discharge planning. Patients who are still wheezing, tachypneic, or hypoxic after three stacked treatments are candidates for continued nebulization, additional agents, or transfer to a higher level of care.
Continuous pulse oximetry runs throughout the visit. A resting SpO2 of 95% or higher on room air is reassuring. Values between 92% and 94% warrant supplemental oxygen and closer monitoring. A saturation persistently below 92% despite treatment is an emergency department disposition.
Every moderate or severe flare gets a systemic corticosteroid. For most adults, prednisone 40 to 60 mg orally is given before discharge, followed by a 5- to 7-day course. Patients who cannot tolerate oral intake receive IV methylprednisolone in clinic. Steroids do not work in minutes — they peak over 4 to 6 hours — but they are what prevents the flare from rebounding that night or the next day.
What Happens in the First Hour
On-Site Capabilities
Two classes of medication do the heavy lifting during an asthma flare: fast-acting bronchodilators that open the airway in minutes, and corticosteroids that quiet the underlying inflammation over hours. Using both is standard of care for moderate-to-severe exacerbations.
| Medication | Class | Role in the Flare |
|---|---|---|
| Albuterol (nebulized) | Short-acting beta agonist | First-line bronchodilator. Opens the airways in 5 to 15 minutes. Given as 2.5 mg in 3 mL saline, often stacked three times in the first hour. |
| Ipratropium bromide (nebulized) | Anticholinergic | Added to the first 1–3 nebulizer treatments in moderate-to-severe flares. Synergistic with albuterol. Not used alone. |
| Levalbuterol | Short-acting beta agonist | Alternative to albuterol for patients with significant tremor or tachycardia. Equivalent efficacy for most flares. |
| Prednisone (oral) | Systemic corticosteroid | Standard: 40 to 60 mg orally at the visit, followed by a 5- to 7-day course. Prevents rebound and relapse. |
| Methylprednisolone (IV) | Systemic corticosteroid | Given when the patient cannot tolerate oral intake, is vomiting, or has a severe flare. Equivalent efficacy to prednisone for most patients. |
| Magnesium sulfate (IV) | Smooth muscle relaxant | Adjunct for severe flares not responding to stacked nebulizers. Given IV over 20 minutes. May defer ER transfer in borderline cases. |
Two common mistakes we correct at urgent care: first, a patient who has been taking the rescue inhaler every two hours for three days and has not seen a physician. Chronic overuse of albuterol without a steroid means the inflammation keeps building even as the airway opens briefly. The answer is not more albuterol — it is steroids plus an assessment of whether the long-term control plan is adequate. Second, a patient who stopped the inhaled corticosteroid months ago because they felt fine. Asthma is chronic inflammation. When the controller is stopped, baseline inflammation climbs, and the next trigger causes a bigger flare.
Severity drives treatment intensity and the decision between urgent care and emergency department. The clinical findings below are what our physicians use to stratify asthma presentations in the first few minutes of the visit.
Two signs deserve special attention. A silent chest — meaning the patient is in obvious respiratory distress but no wheezing is heard on exam — is a sign of air movement so poor that the airways are not vibrating. It is a critical finding and an immediate indication for emergency care. Altered mental status during a flare — confusion, drowsiness, inability to stay awake — is a sign of CO2 retention and impending respiratory failure. Both findings mean the patient needs an emergency department, not urgent care.
Urgent care manages the flare in front of us. Good urgent care also makes sure you leave with the prescription you need to prevent the next one. A single albuterol inhaler is not a full asthma plan. A short-acting rescue paired with appropriate long-term control is.
Albuterol (ProAir, Ventolin, Proventil) and levalbuterol (Xopenex) are short-acting beta agonists. They open the airway in minutes and last four to six hours. Every asthma patient needs a rescue inhaler available at all times. If you are using the rescue more than twice a week for symptoms, your long-term control is inadequate. That is the number that tells us it is time to step up.
The cornerstone of long-term asthma control. Fluticasone (Flovent), budesonide (Pulmicort), beclomethasone (QVAR), and mometasone (Asmanex) reduce baseline airway inflammation. Dosed daily, they shrink the tissue swelling and mucus that make flares bigger. The benefit builds over weeks — they are not rescue medications. Used daily as prescribed, they reduce flare frequency and hospitalization risk dramatically.
For moderate persistent asthma, a combination inhaler containing both an inhaled corticosteroid and a long-acting beta agonist (LABA) is standard. Common combinations: fluticasone-salmeterol (Advair), budesonide-formoterol (Symbicort), fluticasone-vilanterol (Breo), and mometasone-formoterol (Dulera). One inhaler, twice daily, covers both the inflammation and the airway tone.
SMART stands for Single Maintenance And Reliever Therapy. It uses a budesonide-formoterol or mometasone-formoterol inhaler both as a daily controller and as the rescue, replacing the albuterol inhaler entirely. GINA (the Global Initiative for Asthma) now recommends SMART as the preferred approach for most adults. Our physicians will assess whether SMART fits your pattern and prescribe accordingly.
Use of the rescue inhaler more than twice a week, waking from sleep with asthma symptoms more than twice a month, activity limitation from asthma, more than one flare in a year requiring oral steroids — any of those mean the current plan is not controlling the disease. Step-up options: add an ICS if none is in use, increase the ICS dose, add a LABA, or consider a referral to pulmonology for biologic therapy in severe cases.
Inhaler Types Simplified
Signs Control Is Inadequate
Miami has a distinctive set of asthma triggers that are different from northern cities. Knowing yours is half the control plan. Our physicians help patients map their flare pattern to likely triggers and adjust controller therapy accordingly.
Year-round humidity drives indoor mold growth in HVAC systems, bathrooms, and older buildings. Mold spores are among the most common asthma triggers for South Florida patients. AC filter changes, dehumidification, and mold remediation all help.
Florida has essentially year-round pollen exposure. Tree pollen peaks late winter through spring, grasses summer, and ragweed in the fall. Patients with allergic asthma often time their controller step-ups to seasonal peaks.
Red tide algal blooms along Florida coasts release brevetoxins that aerosolize in sea spray. Even moderate blooms cause respiratory irritation and asthma flares for beach-adjacent residents. Monitoring FWC red tide alerts helps sensitive patients plan.
Sugarcane field burning in western Palm Beach, wildfire smoke drift from the Everglades, and diesel exhaust on the causeways all contribute to asthma flares. Short-term PM2.5 spikes are a predictable trigger for sensitive patients.
Rhinovirus, RSV, influenza, and COVID-19 are the most common triggers for moderate-to-severe flares in the clinic. Any respiratory virus can destabilize asthma for 1 to 3 weeks after symptom onset.
Intense exercise, especially in cold AC or dehumidified indoor gyms, triggers exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in a significant subset of asthma patients. Pre-exercise albuterol or a warm-up period usually prevents it.
Pediatric asthma is common and often presents differently than adult asthma — a persistent cough, especially at night or with laughter and exercise, may be the main sign before wheezing appears. Our physicians see children daily through our pediatric urgent care service.
Young children may not wheeze dramatically during a flare. Instead, they cough repeatedly, breathe fast, become tired or quiet, refuse to play, or retract (pulling in the skin between the ribs or at the neck with each breath). Retractions, nasal flaring, and belly breathing are signs of increased work of breathing and warrant prompt evaluation.
The approach is the same as in adults but dose-adjusted: nebulized albuterol (2.5 mg for most children, higher for older children and teens), ipratropium added in moderate-to-severe flares, continuous pulse oximetry, and a systemic corticosteroid before discharge. For pediatric patients, the oral steroid is usually dexamethasone (0.6 mg/kg) as a single dose or two-dose course — equally effective as prednisone and better tolerated with fewer doses.
Parents leave with a written asthma action plan, a clear rescue-inhaler technique demonstration, and red-flag instructions: if the rescue inhaler needs to be repeated within 4 hours, if breathing worsens despite the inhaler, if the child cannot speak in full sentences, or if the lips or fingertips look dusky — return immediately or go to the ER.
Inhaled corticosteroids are safe and effective in children. Most pediatric patients with more than occasional symptoms benefit from a daily low-dose ICS. Growth effects with low-dose ICS are minimal and well-tolerated. Spacer devices (Aerochamber) improve delivery for any child using a metered-dose inhaler.
Pediatric Asthma Quick Facts
Most asthma flares are urgent-care level. A subset require an emergency department with critical care capability. The findings below move disposition from urgent care to ER.
Go to the ER or call 911 if:
A history of prior intubation for asthma is the single strongest predictor of another life-threatening attack. Patients with that history should have a lower threshold for calling 911 and should always travel with a rescue inhaler, a written action plan, and ideally an oral corticosteroid on hand. If you are unsure whether your current symptoms are urgent-care or ER level, come in — we triage on arrival and escalate when the exam warrants it.
Acute asthma is a respiratory emergency on a spectrum. What you want in urgent care is a setting that moves fast, has the right equipment, a physician who knows when to escalate, and a follow-through plan so you are not back tomorrow.
01 · Accreditation
Florida’s Only JC-Accredited Urgent Care
Joint Commission accreditation — the same body that accredits hospitals — audits our respiratory protocols, medication safety, and emergency readiness every three years.
02 · Physicians
Every Visit Includes an MD
Every patient is evaluated by a board-certified physician. Led by Dr. Uri Gedalia (Chief Medical Officer) and Dr. Shane D. Naidoo (Medical Director, Emergency Medicine). Meet them on our staff page.
03 · Speed
Minutes to Nebulizer
Nebulizer treatment typically begins within 5 to 10 minutes of arrival for an active flare. Triage, pulse ox, and the first bronchodilator run in parallel, not sequentially.
04 · Equipment
Nebulizers, O2, IV Steroids On-Site
Multiple nebulizer bays, continuous pulse oximetry, supplemental oxygen, IV access for methylprednisolone and magnesium, and on-site digital X-ray when the diagnosis is not clear.
05 · Follow-Through
Written Asthma Action Plan
Every asthma patient leaves with a written plan: what to do daily, what to do in the yellow zone, what to do in the red zone. Prescriptions (controller and rescue) sent to your pharmacy before discharge.
06 · Insurance
Most Plans Accepted
Asthma urgent care is covered by most major plans: Aetna, Cigna, UHC, Humana, Oscar*, Medicare. Self-pay is welcome and quoted up front before services are rendered.
The questions our physicians answer most often about walk-in asthma treatment.
TrufaMED is at 9445 Harding Ave in Surfside — minutes from Bal Harbour, Bay Harbor Islands, Miami Beach, Sunny Isles, and Aventura. Walk in without an appointment seven days a week.
9445 Harding Ave, Surfside, FL 33154 · Contact our team · Walk-in only — no appointment needed.
Monday – Friday
9 AM – 9 PM
Saturday
11 AM – 11 PM
Sunday
12 PM – 8 PM
TrufaMED is Florida’s only Joint Commission-accredited urgent care. In addition to asthma exacerbation management, we handle the full urgent care spectrum including bronchitis, influenza, pneumonia, sinus infection, and sore throat. Most insurance accepted. Self-pay patients welcome.
Asthma urgent care — physician exam, nebulizer treatment, systemic steroids, and prescriptions — is covered by most major plans as a standard urgent care visit.
Nebulizer treatment, systemic steroids, and a written asthma action plan in a single urgent care visit. No appointment needed. Most insurance accepted.
Medical Disclaimer: Content on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Asthma severity varies by individual, and proper treatment requires an in-person physician evaluation. If you are experiencing severe respiratory distress, cyanosis, altered mental status, silent chest, or any other life-threatening symptom, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department immediately. TrufaMED Urgent Care & Concierge Medicine — 9445 Harding Ave, Surfside, FL 33154 — (305) 537-6396. Joint Commission accredited.
Serving These Areas
Copyright © 2026 TrufaMED Urgent Care
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways that leads to recurring episodes of wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing. Approximately 25 million Americans live with asthma, and the condition affects both children and adults across all age groups. While asthma cannot be cured, it can be effectively managed with proper medication, trigger avoidance, and a clear action plan for exacerbations.
During an asthma attack, the smooth muscles surrounding the airways contract, the airway lining becomes swollen and inflamed, and excess mucus is produced, all of which combine to restrict airflow and make breathing difficult. Triggers vary among individuals and may include respiratory infections, allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mold, and pet dander, exercise, cold air, air pollution, strong odors, stress, and certain medications. Identifying your specific triggers is a key component of effective asthma management.
South Florida's climate presents both advantages and challenges for asthma patients. The warm, humid air can help keep airways moist, but year-round pollen exposure from tropical vegetation, high mold counts during the rainy season, and frequent transitions between outdoor heat and cold indoor air conditioning can all provoke asthma symptoms. Our physicians at TrufaMED help patients understand how local environmental factors affect their condition and develop strategies to minimize exposure.
An asthma exacerbation, also called an asthma attack or flare-up, occurs when symptoms suddenly worsen beyond your baseline level of control. Early recognition of worsening symptoms allows for prompt intervention and can prevent progression to a severe attack. Warning signs include increasing frequency of rescue inhaler use, waking at night due to coughing or shortness of breath, decreased exercise tolerance, and peak flow meter readings below your personal best.
Mild to moderate exacerbations typically respond to rescue inhaler use, though symptoms may persist for hours or days. Patients whose symptoms do not improve after two to three doses of their rescue inhaler within an hour, or whose symptoms continue to worsen despite treatment, should seek urgent medical care. TrufaMED provides same-day evaluation and treatment for asthma exacerbations that are not responding to home management.
Severe asthma attacks produce symptoms that require immediate medical attention, including extreme difficulty breathing, inability to speak in complete sentences, visible use of accessory breathing muscles in the neck and chest, cyanosis or bluish discoloration of the lips and fingernails, and altered mental status. These symptoms indicate life-threatening airway compromise and require emergency treatment. If you experience these severe symptoms, call 911 immediately.
Our urgent care facility provides multiple levels of respiratory treatment for asthma exacerbations. Nebulizer therapy delivers bronchodilator medication as a fine mist that patients inhale over 10 to 15 minutes, providing deeper penetration into the airways than standard metered-dose inhalers. We use albuterol and ipratropium nebulizer treatments, which can be repeated based on clinical response during your visit.
Systemic corticosteroids, administered orally or by injection, reduce the airway inflammation that underlies asthma exacerbations. Early administration of steroids during an asthma flare has been shown to speed recovery, reduce the risk of relapse, and decrease the likelihood of requiring emergency department admission. Our physicians determine the appropriate corticosteroid regimen based on the severity of your exacerbation and your medical history.
Oxygen supplementation is available for patients with low oxygen saturation levels, and our providers monitor pulse oximetry throughout your visit to assess treatment response. For patients who need ongoing asthma management optimization, we can initiate or adjust controller medications including inhaled corticosteroids, long-acting bronchodilators, and combination inhalers, and coordinate with pulmonology or allergy specialists for complex cases.
Effective asthma management extends beyond treating acute attacks. Our physicians help patients develop personalized asthma action plans that outline daily management strategies, early warning sign recognition, and step-by-step instructions for responding to worsening symptoms. These action plans use a traffic light system with green, yellow, and red zones that guide medication use and decision-making based on symptom severity and peak flow readings.
For patients whose asthma is not well-controlled with current therapy, our providers evaluate medication adherence, inhaler technique, and trigger exposure to identify factors contributing to poor control. Proper inhaler technique is critical for medication effectiveness, and we provide hands-on instruction and demonstration during your visit. We also facilitate referrals to allergists and pulmonologists for patients who require advanced testing or specialized treatment plans.
TrufaMED Urgent Care offers walk-in evaluation and treatment for asthma exacerbations and breathing difficulty at our Surfside clinic located at 9445 Harding Ave. Our facility is equipped with nebulizer therapy, pulse oximetry monitoring, and on-site medication administration. We serve patients from Miami Beach, Bal Harbour, Bay Harbor Islands, Sunny Isles Beach, Aventura, and surrounding communities. No appointment is required, and we accept most major insurance plans.
TrufaMED concierge members get 24/7 physician access, same-day appointments, and on-site diagnostics under one roof.
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