If you have asthma, you may have experienced sudden, sudden shortness of breath or a feeling of tightness in your chest. This is what we call an 'asthma attack'. Although it can be scary, if we are aware of it, we can cope with it well.
What is an asthma attack?
Simply put, an asthma attack is a sudden increase in your asthma symptoms. Sometimes this can happen suddenly, without warning , or it can develop gradually over a period of hours. As you know, asthma is a disease of our lungs. This is when our airways, which are the places where we breathe, become narrowed. This is when things like coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing occur.
Many people with asthma manage their symptoms by taking their medications and following certain habits. However, sometimes these asthma symptoms can suddenly worsen. That's what we call an asthma attack .
These asthma attacks can sometimes be very dangerous and even life-threatening . So if you have asthma, it is very important to stay away from asthma triggers as much as possible and to follow the asthma treatment plan given by your doctor. These steps can help stop an asthma attack before it happens.
How common are asthma attacks?
In the United States alone, more than 10 million people with asthma are said to have an asthma attack each year. That's about one in two people with asthma. These asthma attacks result in about 1.6 million emergency room visits each year.
Typically, people with severe asthma have more asthma attacks than people with mild asthma. But that doesn't mean your asthma attacks will always cause severe symptoms. Sometimes, they can come and go in small amounts.
What are the symptoms of an asthma attack?
This may vary from person to person, but in general, you may experience the following symptoms during an asthma attack:
- Your usual asthma symptoms (such as cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness) get worse .
- The inhaler or bronchodilator you use is not working properly .
- Asthma symptoms make it difficult to talk, eat, sleep, or perform daily activities .
- Increased breathing rate or a feeling of shortness of breath.
- Wheezing (making a noise when breathing out) .
- Decrease in the value of the `(Peak flow)` meter.
These symptoms can come on suddenly, or they can develop gradually over several days . Many people think that an asthma attack comes on suddenly. But that's not always the case. For some people, it can feel like it develops gradually over hours, or even days.
What are the causes of asthma exacerbation?
An asthma attack occurs when your lungs are severely stimulated by something that makes you asthmatic (an asthma trigger). Your lungs then react by swelling and becoming inflamed. The muscles in your lungs tighten and produce extra mucus . This extra mucus and swelling combine to narrow your airways, making it harder for air to get into your lungs.
What are the common triggers that aggravate asthma?
Asthma attacks are usually caused by a ``trigger''. Some of these ``triggers'' are within your control, but others are beyond your control. Here are some common asthma ``triggers'':
- Indoor allergens include dust, pet dander, cat and dog dander, and mold .
- Outdoor allergens, such as grass pollen and flower pollen .
- Respiratory infections or viruses, such as colds and flu .
- Strong odors such as fuel, tobacco smoke, perfumes , or other airborne pollutants.
- Hormonal changes .
- Emotions like severe stress, anger, and sadness (these can change your normal breathing pattern).
- When exercising or when you are overtired.
- High humidity or large changes in temperature .
- Smoke from wildfires or other outdoor air pollutants.
Think about it, some people get asthma attacks from the dust when they put away old books. Another person may have difficulty breathing when they go outside on a cold day. These are things we call ``triggers''.
What complications can this cause?
Complications of an asthma attack can be very serious . In a severe asthma attack, you may have life-threatening breathing difficulties. In such cases , you may need to seek emergency treatment . Therefore, it is very important to get proper treatment for asthma if you have it. Then you will know what to do if you have an asthma attack.
Who is more likely to develop this (Risk Factors)?
Anyone with asthma can have an asthma attack, but some factors increase the risk. These include:
- If you have had previous asthma attacks .
- If you have to use your rescue inhaler more than usual .
- If you have another chronic disease such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes.
- If you have uncontrolled environmental allergies.
How do I know if I have asthma?
You usually know when your asthma symptoms are worse than usual. People who have experienced an asthma attack say it feels like someone is sitting on your chest, or like you can't breathe properly . Only you know what's normal and what's abnormal for you.
Some people have warning signs before an asthma attack occurs. For example, they need to use their rescue inhaler more often or can't exercise as much as they used to. Others may have symptoms suddenly without any warning.
The most important thing is to talk to your doctor and create an asthma action plan. This will clearly state what you should do if you have an asthma attack.
How do doctors recognize this?
Tell your doctor about your asthma symptoms and any asthma attacks you've had. He or she will likely listen to you and possibly do some tests to confirm whether you have an asthma attack. These tests may include:
- `Peak flow` test: This measures how quickly you can exhale air from your lungs. This gives doctors an idea of how open your airways are.
- Spirometry test: This test measures how much air enters and leaves your lungs.
- Pulse oximetry test: This involves clipping a small device to your finger and measuring the level of oxygen in your blood.
What do you do if your asthma gets worse?
First of all, don't panic . This is a little scary, but try to stay as calm as possible. Also, sit up straight . This will help keep your airway open. Take deep breaths as much as possible.
If your doctor confirms that you have asthma, he or she will prescribe a quick-acting rescue inhaler. These inhalers contain a bronchodilator called albuterol or levalbuterol. You may need to take about six puffs of the inhaler to feel relief . You should wait about a minute between each puff. Your doctor will tell you how often you can use the rescue inhaler. This information will be included in your asthma action plan.
If your inhaler does not provide relief, call 1990 (or your emergency number) immediately, or go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) .
Some people may need oral corticosteroids to reduce swelling in their airways after an asthma attack.
In the emergency room, doctors may give you treatments such as supplemental oxygen, a BiPAP machine, or intubation and mechanical ventilation (breathing with the help of a machine) to help you breathe.
How long will this tightness last?
It can vary depending on the cause and whether your airways are already inflamed. A mild asthma attack can go away in a few minutes . A quick-acting inhaler can help. But a serious asthma attack can last for hours, even days . Hospitalization is often necessary.
Will the dress be this tight for the rest of your life?
There is no cure for asthma. Therefore, you will have to manage your symptoms throughout your life. For this reason, you may experience asthma attacks throughout your life.
A common misconception is that children's asthma gets better as they get older . As your child gets older, their asthma symptoms may decrease. You may think their asthma is getting better. But they still have asthma. About half of children who seem to get better will have symptoms again as they get older.
How do you avoid this tightness in your chest?
Following these steps will help prevent asthma attacks:
- Follow your asthma action plan or asthma treatment plan exactly.
- Take your prescribed asthma medications exactly as prescribed . These can reduce your risk of having an asthma attack or the amount of time you need to use a rescue inhaler.
- Go for checkups as often as your doctor tells you. By going regularly, your doctor can monitor your asthma and make any necessary changes to your treatment.
- Try to stay away from your asthma triggers as much as possible . Some things are harder to avoid than others. But knowing what triggers your asthma and taking steps to avoid them is very important to prevent an asthma attack.
- Pay attention to your asthma symptoms . If your symptoms seem to be getting worse, let your doctor know.
When should I see a doctor?
If you have an asthma attack, especially if you have difficulty getting relief from your inhaler , talk to your doctor. Don't ignore worsening asthma symptoms. It's very important.
When should you go to an Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) ?
If you have an asthma attack and your symptoms do not improve after using your rescue inhaler, go to the emergency room immediately . If you turn blue or feel faint, you need medical help right away.
Finally, remember this.
An asthma attack is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention. If you don't, serious complications can occur. If you have asthma, avoid your triggers and take your asthma medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. While you can't prevent some asthma attacks, taking steps to control your asthma can go a long way toward preventing an asthma attack. Be sure to keep your rescue inhaler with you at all times . That way, if an asthma attack does occur, you'll be ready to deal with it.
` Asthma, Asthma exacerbation, Asthma Attack, Difficulty breathing, Inhaler, Asthma symptoms, Asthma treatment
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