An asthma attack can be a terrible experience for someone who has the condition. It may feel as if someone is sitting on your chest, or as if there is a mist in your lungs. Both of these sensations are common. It is difficult for you to take a complete breath in. You feel a tightening in the chest. Your breathing becomes more rapid.
One person who suffers from asthma described the sensation as “like you’re drowning in air.”
An inflammation and obstruction of the bronchial tubes, which are the passageways via which air can enter and exit the lungs, are the hallmarks of asthma. Asthma attacks are characterized by a constriction of the muscles that surround the bronchial tubes, which reduces the size of the airways and makes it extremely challenging to breathe. Wheezing and a rattling sound in the chest are two additional common symptoms of asthma.
It’s impossible to predict how long an attack will last without knowing what triggered it and how long the airways have been irritated. Mild episodes can last for as little as a few minutes, while more severe ones might last anywhere from a few hours to several days. Mild attacks have a greater chance of going away on their own but may still require treatment with medicine, most commonly a fast-acting inhaler. When given the appropriate treatment, even the most severe asthma attacks can be shortened.
Causes
Exposure to an allergen, such as pollen from trees, grass, or weeds; dust mites; cockroaches; or animal dander; can set off an asthma attack in a person who suffers from the condition. Other things that can set off an asthma attack include irritants in the air, including smoke or chemical fumes, as well as strong scents, like perfume.
An asthma attack can be brought on by a number of factors, including certain illnesses, such as the flu, sinusitis, or even a moderate upper respiratory infection; vigorous exercise; harsh weather conditions; or intense emotions that alter typical breathing patterns.
An increase in your need for rescue medication (especially albuterol), a worsening cough, shortness of breath (particularly if it wakes you up at night), and a lower tolerance for activity can all be warning signs of a potential asthma attack.
Treatment
In general, it is essential to maintain your composure and take the prescribed drugs given to you by your allergist. If you have asthma, you should always have an up-to-date asthma action plan that has been filled out by your doctor on hand to help guide treatment when symptoms emerge.
Asthma episodes can be treated as needed with drugs that provide rapid relief; they are often delivered through the use of an inhaler. These bronchodilators may be short-acting beta2-agonists or anticholinergic bronchodilators with a rapid beginning of action (which relax airway muscles). If symptoms continue or become worse, then it is possible that systemic corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation in the airways, will be required. Visit your allergist if the symptoms do not improve.
If the coughing or shortness of breath continues or seems to be getting worse, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Triggers In Children
Certain triggers have a disproportionately negative impact on children who have asthma and have the potential to exacerbate the inflammation that already exists in their lungs. When it comes to extremely young children, the common cold is one of the most prevalent triggers that might set off an asthma attack. These are some others:
- Smoke
- Direct contact with allergens (such as animal dander, dust mites or pollen)
- Strong smells (perfumes or other odors)
- a shift in the weather; a chill in the air
- If you’re running or playing really hard
- Either sobbing or giggling
If your child suffers from asthma, an allergist can assist you in identifying the factors that can bring on an asthma attack or make existing symptoms worse. The first thing you need to do to get your child’s symptoms under control is to keep them away from anything that makes them cough or wheeze.
Read More:-
Emotional Tribute to Actor Chadwick Boseman, Who Died at the Age of 43
