An asthma attack can be a minor wheezing from the inhalation of dust or pollen, for some. It can also be a potentially life-threatening attack if action is not taken to relieve the patient. An asthma attack is an involuntary constriction of airways and production of fluid that is associated with the body trying to over-compensate for foreign bodies entering the lungs.
There is no cure for asthma, but it can be managed where most people can live normal lives with some discipline and dedication. If you think that you or someone you know might have asthma, ask them to make an appointment with their doctor to look for symptoms and run tests.
Here are some of the symptoms that they look at when diagnosing.
Symptoms
- Coughing or wheezing under stress
- Chest pains
- Trouble taking deep breaths
- Waking up at night, despite being tired
If the doctor does determine that you have asthma, symptoms can increase in frequency and become more serious, which will require a change in medication strength/prescription. The doctor will measure your lung capacity and strength to see how much your asthma has progressed.
Causes/Triggers
Asthma attack frequency and severity can also depend on the environment and situation. For example, physical activity is a common trigger, but those who live in colder and drier climates will often experience it even more.
Foreign particulates in the air are another big factor. Dust, debris, pollen, perfumes, and cleaners are big triggers that are often found in public places. Pet owners can also suddenly become allergic to pet dander, due to an underlying asthma condition they weren’t aware of.
Smoke is a big problem for most people, even just the residue that clings to someone’s hair or clothes.
Other triggers worth mentioning: prescription medications, anxiety/stress, food allergens, acid reflux, and illnesses that affect the nose, throat, and lungs.
Treatment
Proper treatment of asthma begins with a proper diagnosis. You can’t prevent asthma attacks without knowing exactly what triggers them for you. Everyone responds differently to asthma, the same goes for treating it. A doctor will provide a basic game-plan to avoid triggering attacks, as well as prescribe you some treatment options, including breathing exercises and prescription of an inhaler to counter an asthma attack when it happens.
Albuterol is the most common fast-action inhaler, but your doctor will determine the best medication for your age and severity of asthma. Ultimately, you will need to settle into your own daily routine and implement the necessary changes in your lifestyle to prevent and control your asthma. It is not a prison sentence, those who live with asthma can still participate in physical activities, sports, and etc. It all depends on each individual’s situation and how well they manage their symptoms.
DISCLAIMER: The medical information on this site is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is not intended to be patient education, does not create any patient-physician relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.