Asthma Attack

How To Deal With An Asthma Attack And Decrease Severity

Asthma attack frequency and diagnosis is increasing throughout the Western world, and the prevalence and incidences of the disease are reaching extremely worrying levels among children and adults. The dramatic rise in the numbers of sufferers in the past thirty years, coupled with the fact that the highest incidences of the disease are in the most highly developed nations, suggests very strongly that the cause can be found within the environment which prevails in modern industrialized nations. We do not yet know the exact causes of asthma, nor do we yet have a cure, but there are steps which can be taken to manage the illness and to prevent it from completely ruining someone's life.

Asthma is a disease which affects the lungs and the breathing, sometimes dramatically. It can even cause death in extreme cases. In fact, the percentage of patients dying from the condition has increased despite the advances in medical science and despite the fact that more cases are being treated at an earlier stage. This can only mean that the circumstances which are causing the problems are worsening even though treatments are improving. Rates of asthma and signs and symptoms of allergy have been increasing. Are environmental factors to blame? Any long term improvement in the outlook for asthma is only likely to come when environmental factors are analyzed and somehow improved.

There is unlikely to be one exact definitive cause for asthma, as attacks are triggered by differing factors. Respiratory infections, such as colds and the flu, are often one of the most common causes of asthma flare-ups, and this is especially true in young children. Asthma and allergies often go hand-in-hand. And a doctor should be consulted for diagnosis.

The most common symptoms include:

Coughing, especially at night Shortness of breath Choking and congestion Wheezing Chest tightness, pain, or pressure

It is known that a child continually exposed to dust mites when very young is far more likely to become asthmatic in later childhood, so it is likely that exposure to other pollutants in the environment will have a similar effect. With the growth of cities and towns and the increase in the amount of road traffic in just about every community, every child which grows up in a developed nation is going to be breathing in more polluted air than ever before.

There is a test that can be taken, called the Peak Expiratory Flow Rate. The peak expiratory flow rate measures how fast a person can breathe out (exhale) air. It is one of many tests that measures how well the lungs are working.

Whatever the cause of an asthma attack may be, and whatever the cause of the disease in the first place, it is clear that there are factors which can both worsen attacks and make the more frequent. As this is a breathing condition, it is obvious that cigarette smoking is going to make it considerably worse. All asthma sufferers are advised to quit smoking, but for many it is not that easy. It is critical to keep trying and to never give up on the goal of becoming smoke free, as it is critical to successfully controlling the condition. Also, try to avoid becoming overweight as this increases pressure on the breathing.

As asthma is fundamentally an incurable condition, the primary consideration is always the relief of asthma attack symptoms. This can be a life and death situation, as thousands of people worldwide are killed by asthma every year. In the short term, it is critical to manage an attack as effectively as possible, and this is why every asthma sufferer should carry what is known as a relief inhaler. This gets the drugs to the place they are needed as quickly as possible, and can effectively cut an attack short. Once this is taken care of, long term treatment can begin to make respiratory infections and attacks less severe.

Long term asthma attack treatment and care plan is also usually in the form of drugs, as well as with avoidance of any related factors which are known to make the condition worse. Natural treatments such as vitamin C have often been tried, but there is no evidence which suggests any long term improvement in the condition. A plan should be worked out between the doctors and the patient right at the start, as it is desirable to keep drug treatments to the lowest dosages possible. It is best to start with the mildest drugs, and to increase them gently until they become effective.

Anti-inflammatory/inflammation medications can be some of the most important treatment options for people with asthma. These medicines/medications help in the prevention of chronic asthma attacks. They work by reducing swelling and mucus production in the airways. As a result of the medication, airways will be less sensitive and also less likely to react to asthma triggers.

Asthma can be successfully managed in the vast majority of patients, although some will need stronger drugs than others. Finding the right level early is critical for the successful long term control of the condition(s), as excessive drug intake can aggravate the immune system and make the general health of the patient worse. It is also important to avoid stress, either physical or psychological. Exercise which is normally healthy for the body can be detrimental to an asthma sufferer, and can even bring on an attack.

If you are coughing, wheezing or feeling out of breath during or after exercise, it could be more than exertion causing your symptoms. This could be what is called exercise-induced asthma. Exercise-induced asthma symptoms occur when one's airways tighten and produce more than the usual amount of mucus. Eating and diet are also important and related to asthma.

If you think your child is having difficulty sleeping because of asthma or allergies, please monitor his symptoms, and encourage him to report any problems to you. It may also be a good idea to keep a sleep journal. And then talk to your child’s physician about nighttime problems. Also, an inhaler can help you manage asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease which are conditions that can make it hard to breathe.

If someone is having mild signs or symptoms, they can take an inhaler a couple of times a day and if it doesn’t work, they make an appointment to see a doctor or go to the hospital. If it is an emergency and you know your asthma is getting worse, call 911 immediately. Status Asthmaticus is a severe episode of asthma that is not helped by inhaled bronchodilators, and that threatens a person's ability to breathe altogether. So again, consult a doctor about any questions and answers you may have concerning your asthma.

An asthma attack is never going to be a pleasant experience, but with the right long term plan from an expert physician, it can be a lot easier to manage. Look after the body well, and don't put excessive strain upon it. Only use as strong a drug as is necessary to keep the condition under control, and avoid contact with any pollutant or irritant which you know can aggravate the condition. This should lessen both the severity and frequency of attacks, and when those attacks do occur they can be successfully managed with a reliever inhaler. This combination should ensure that you never again fear the risk of an asthma attack.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Articles

• Asthma
• Asthma Inhaler
• Asthma Diet
• Asthma Attack
• Adult Onset Asthma
• Asthma Education
• Asthma Research
• Treatment Of Asthma
• Asthma In Infants
• Children With Asthma
• History Of Asthma
• Allergy Asthma
• Asthma Action Plan
• Asthma Diagnosis
• Asthma Facts
• Childhood Asthma
• Exercise Induced Asthma
• Asthma Symptoms
• Cause Of Asthma
• Asthma Doctor



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