Asthma Attacks And What To Do When They Strike

By Author: Casey Miller
Total Articles: 13
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Asthma attacks are the result of a constriction of the muscles of the air passages, the swelling and inflammation of the air passage linings, and the production of phlegm that is denser than normal, the net effect being shortness of breath and coughing. During asthma attacks people will exhibit signs including restricted rapid breathing denoted by severe wheezing, incessant coughing, retractions caused by constricting muscles in the chest and neck, panic and anxiety, restricted talking ability, sweaty and pale faces, and blue lips or fingernails. Asthma attacks can either be mild or severe. The former types are experienced more often and the air passages tend to clear within a few minutes or hours. Severe asthma attacks are indeed serious and will often necessitate medical attention lest they become fatal.
Asthma attacks can be anticipated by virtue of the warning signs exhibited well before an incident occurs. Taking heed of these signs is most advisable since ignoring them can only be equated to intentional flirting with death. Some of the most pronounced signs of impending asthma attacks include a reduction in peak ...
... flow meter readings, regular coughing mostly at night, a tendency to lose breath or have a shortage of it very easily, extreme fatigue and weakness during exercises or workouts, and a sustained exhibition of symptoms characteristic of allergies and colds, (e.g. headaches, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, and nasal congestion), etc.
As has been noted, to preempt asthma attacks you need to pay attention to the symptoms listed above. Each asthma-affected person has individual pending attack characteristics and this should prompt such a person to get a thorough understanding of his/her asthma symptoms, attack frequency, and how to react. The aforementioned peak flow meter readings are an integral part of this self-monitoring task and these give a helpful bearing on what should be done.
Another critical aspect of curtailing asthma attacks has to do with having an in-depth awareness of what every type of medication is supposed to help achieve. Some medications are intended for the immediate mitigation of asthma symptoms and perhaps providing relief in the event an attack materializes. Other medications are intended for the long-term management of the condition. In the event that these medications are used for alternate purposes there is a real risk that may see the aggravation of the person's asthma.
Being able to accurately infer symptoms preceding asthma attacks is especially vital in the case of affected children who may have to access emergency medical care in severe cases.

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