Asthma Attack

An Asthma Attack is caused by a system of interrelated interactions of genetic and environmental factors. Other triggers can often be the flu or a cold.

 

The patient must be attentive and persistent with their asthma management action plan as they may not respond as normal to their asthma medication due to these respiratory infections. Always be diligent and aware of how you are feeling.

 

If you feel you are about to have an Asthma Attack, take your prescribed medication as the tubes in your lungs will begin to open although this may take some time, sometimes several hours. If you feel it may be a severe, take your medication and seek medical assistance urgently.

 

During an attack, the large airways will become inflamed and will over-react to one or more of the environmental triggers such as pollen, smoke or dust. The airways will become narrow, which will then produce mucus making it harder to breathe which leads to coughing and other breathing diificulties.

 

With exposure to these triggers, the large airways will contract in response, and then spasm, which is why this is referred to as an Asthma Attack. (Inflammation of the airways is the result of chemicals that are produced that cause the airway walls to thicken, and then cause mucus producing cells to grow alot larger and the end result is more mucus which is also thicker).

 

During a serious attack, the subsidiary muscles of the respiration system around the neck may be used. If the patient has a weaker pulse during inhalation, or an over inflation of the chest, or a stronger pulse during exhalation, this could be classed as a serious Asthma Attack.

 

A sufferer when having a very severe attack will turn blue from the lack of oxygen, and can experience some chest pain, or they may lose consciousness. The patient may feel a numbness in their limbs and their palms may start to feel sweaty just prior to a loss of consciousness. The patient may also get icy cold feet.

 

A severe Asthma Attack, which does not respond to normal treatments is especially life threatening and  may lead to respiratory arrest and sometimes patient death.

 

Knowing the triggers can be an effective way to prevent an Asthma Attack from occuring.

 

Further information is provided here on effective Asthma Management.