People with asthma know how troubling and truly frightening an asthma attack can feel! During an asthma attack, the patient finds it difficult to take a breath, the heart seems to tighten in the chest, breathing becomes quite rapid and wheezing sound during breathing. The airways that enable air to enter and exit the lungs, known as the bronchial tubes, become inflamed and obstructed when an individual has asthma, and breathing becomes particularly difficult during an asthma attack episode. 

The duration of such an attack can vary depending on what triggered the attack and how bad the patient’s health is. Let us now take a look at the symptoms, care, and treatment of asthma attacks so that you can be better prepared for them. 

What is an Asthma Attack?

A chronic lung condition called asthma causes mild to severe breathing difficulties in patients, and it requires constant medical attention. Even after that, asthma doesn't go away, and proper care can only end up managing the symptoms. Are you wondering if asthma is widespread? Yes, millions of people all over the world suffer from asthma attack, and it is not only adults, but children too can have asthma. What’s worse, if treatment is not provided, the condition can become lethal in many cases! 

Normal breathing allows air to pass through your airways softly and steadily because the muscles around them are relaxed, but during an asthma attack, three types of conditions may occur.  

• The airways' mucous lining becomes inflamed, and less air may enter or exit your lungs due to swollen airways.
• The muscles around the airways tighten during a bronchospasm, and your breathing becomes more difficult as they constrict. Airways that are narrowed cannot allow air to pass freely.
• The body produces more mucus before an asthma attack, and the thick mucus can then obstruct the airways and trigger an asthma attack in some people. 

What are the Symptoms of an Asthma Attack?

The main asthma symptoms are tightness in the chest, coughing, breathing difficulties while speaking or laughing, exhaustion, quick breathing, chest discomfort, and recurring infections. Wheezing, or the whistling sound that is created during breathing, is another most typical sign of asthma. Which symptoms you encounter might vary depending on the type of asthma you have, and some folks have symptoms that they endure every single day. For others, it can mean that doing specific activities worsens their symptoms, but always remember, not everyone has the same specific symptoms.  

If you have asthma, keep in mind that even with good management, you could periodically experience a relapse in asthma symptoms, but the use of quick-acting medications, including inhalers, frequently reduces flare-ups. Nevertheless, in extreme situations, medical intervention may be necessary. A flare-up of asthma symptoms might include wheezing, stiffness or discomfort in the chest and heavy exhaustion. 

Many ask, when is it necessary to see a doctor? You should get medical help right away if using an inhaler doesn't help your symptoms or if the symptoms keep getting worse! Additionally, you should get medical attention if you have extreme difficulty in breathing, blue fingernails or lips, lightheadedness, and trouble speaking or walking during an asthma attack episode.

The Common Causes of Asthma Attacks 

The reason why some people develop asthma and others do not is unknown to researchers, however, some variables provide a greater risk of developing asthma. Take a look. 

Genetics - You are more likely to have asthma if someone in your family has a history of this disease.

Respiratory infections - Some diseases of the respiratory system, such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), can harm the developing lungs of young children, and later cause asthma.

Environmental factors - Exposure to substances that irritate the airways can cause asthma attacks, and some examples are allergens, poisons, gasses, and second- or third-hand smoking, & air pollution.  

Allergies - Having allergies increases the likelihood of getting asthma attacks in many people.

Emergency Asthma Treatment Options 

Asthma cannot be fully cured, but fortunately, there are several treatment of Asthma that can help people manage it! You probably already know the most common method of managing asthma quickly, right? The most popular course of emergency therapy involves inhaling medicine into the lungs directly with the use of inhalers. Asthma treatment therapy also includes bronchodilators and steroids. 

Asthma symptoms can be improved and the risk of severe asthma episodes reduced by using bronchodilators as it opens airways and relieves symptoms. Steroids like hydrocortisone decrease inflammation in the airways and help with the treatment of Asthma. 

Avoid these Asthma Triggers

Exposure to certain things that irritate the respiratory system may result in an asthma attack, and these specific things are referred to as asthma attack "triggers"! For certain individuals, a trigger can instantly set off an attack, but each person may have distinct triggers. It is simpler to prevent asthma attacks when you are aware of what causes your asthma, so notice the factors. 

• Dust mites - Although they are invisible, these insects exist in our houses, and an asthma attack may result if you have a dust mite allergy.
• Air pollution - A variety of external factors related to air pollution, including automobile exhaust, smoke from wildfires, and other similar sources, might trigger an asthma attack in many. 
• Mold - If you have asthma, you may have issues with mold growth or damp areas, and sometimes, being allergic to mold is not necessary for you to experience an attack. 
• Pests - Asthma attacks can be brought on by mice, cockroaches, and other regular house pests.
• Pet fur - Pets may trigger an asthma attack in some people because breathing in pet dander might irritate the airways if someone has an allergy.
• Specific chemicals or products - Some people may get asthma attacks when they get exposed to a certain variety of substances, such as cleaning supplies, wood or wheat dust, and other chemicals.  
• Tobacco smoke - You are more likely to have an asthma attack if you smoke or if someone else smokes in your house, so, it is advisable to give up smoking and avoid inhaling second-hand smoke.

Final Remarks 

An asthma episode is not only extremely painful but can also be deadly if asthma treatment therapy is not given to the patient in time! A severe asthma episode has the potential to very much halt your breathing and keep you from taking in adequate oxygen for a prolonged period of time, which is a high-risk situation. This is the reason you should get immediate medical assistance if you're exhibiting signs of a severe asthma attack and it is not lessening with your usual medicine.  

Call Medanta today and get treated for asthma attacks by top physicians!