Asthma Attack

Asthma causes breathing difficulty, coughing, and chest pain, and the periodic acute worsening of these symptoms is known as an asthma attack. During an asthma attack, the airways, in addition to becoming inflamed and narrowing, will fill with mucus, and treatment must be administered quickly to insure that the sufferer remains able to breathe. The warning signs of an asthma attack include wheezing, tightness in the chest, coughing, difficulty in speaking, and a drop in the peak flow rate. Peak flow refers to how quickly an asthmatic person can blow air out, and is measured with a device known as a peak expiratory flow monitor. The hard data that the monitor provides is invaluable in gauging the steps that should be taken at any given time to control one's asthma. Asthma attacks are treatable, and those with the disease can live a normal life if their symptoms are properly controlled.

While no one is certain about the definitive cause or causes of asthma, we have pinpointed many of the causes of an asthma attack, which are referred to as "triggers." Common triggers include dust, smoking, vigorous exercise, strong emotion, and certain foods, but may in some cases also include certain types of medication and changes in the weather. Allergies, too, can cause asthma attacks, so it is advised that asthma sufferers try to identify their allergies and avoid those allergens.

The best way to treat an asthma attack is to prevent it from happening. This is generally done through the regular use of inhaled prescription anti-inflammatory medications such as steroids. Once an asthma attack has been triggered, though, bronchodilators such as albuterol are commonly employed. Bronchodilators are delivered through an inhaler, and work quickly to relieve the symptoms of an asthma attack by relaxing the muscles that surround the bronchi, or airways. Relief from the symptoms of an asthma attack generally occur soon after administration of the bronchodilator, but in some more serious cases, this is not enough, and symptoms may linger or worsen. This is referred to as status asthmaticus.

Status asthmaticus is a very severe and potentially life-threatening asthma attack that is not alleviated by the use of a bronchodilator. Its symptoms include a bluish tint to the lips, breathlessness, or an inability to concentrate or form complete sentences. When bronchodilators fail to work, it is imperative to act quickly, as status asthmaticus can lead to asphyxiation and death if left untreated. Treatments may include epinephrine injections or supplemental oxygen, among others.

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