Symptoms of an asthma attack

By Dr Vivek Anand Padegal

What is an asthma attack and how to prevent It?
Coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, and difficulty breathing are all symptoms of an asthma attack. The attack occurs in the airways of your lungs, which are the passageways that supply air to your lungs. Inflammation narrows the swollen airways causing less air entry and exit in lungs, also mucus produced by the body plugs the airways. Knowing the warning symptoms of an asthma attack, avoiding triggers, and following your doctor’s instructions can help you manage your asthma.

How to identify the early warning signs of an asthma attack?
Early warning symptoms are changes that occur just before or at the beginning of an asthma attack. The symptoms of an early asthma attack are usually not severe enough to keep you from going about your daily routine. However, by recognizing these indications, an asthma attack can be stopped or prevented from worsening.

The following are some of the early warning signals of an asthma attack:
? Extreme coughing, especially at night
? Reduced peak flow metre values
? Shortness of breath
? Fatigue or weakness
? Exercise-induced asthma
? Feeling weary, irritable, grumpy, etc.
? Declined lung function
? Allergy or cold symptoms (sneezing, runny nose, cough, nasal congestion, sore throat, and headache)
? Difficulty sleeping Because the intensity of an asthma attack can quickly worsen, it’s critical to treat these symptoms as soon as possible.

What causes such attacks?
When exposed to “asthma triggers,” one may experience an asthma attack which may be very different for different individuals. Understand your triggers and how to prevent them. When unable to dodge the triggers, be on the lookout for an attack. Tobacco smoke, dust mites, outdoor air pollution, cockroach allergen, pets, mold, smoke from burning wood or grass, and diseases like the flu are some of the most prevalent factors.

What are the treatment options?
To keep asthma under control, follow proper treatment prescribed by your doctor and avoid things that can provoke an attack. All asthmatics do not take the same medications; most drugs are inhaled, while others must be taken as pills. The two sorts of asthma medications include those that provide immediate relief and those that provide long-term control. Quickrelief drugs are used to control the symptoms of an asthma attack. Long-term control drugs can help you have fewer and milder asthma episodes, but they can’t help you when you’re having one. Inquire with your doctor about the proper use and possible adverse effects of your medications (Are they safe).

What happens if you don’t treat your asthma?
Your breathing may become more laborious, and your wheezing may become more frequent if you don’t take asthma drugs and therapy very regularly. Using a peak flow metre during an asthma attack will most likely result in a reading that is lower than your personal best. You may not be able to use the peak flow metre at all if your lungs continue to worsen during an asthma episode, also known as the “silent chest,” a warning indicator. When you have a severe asthma attack, get to the nearest hospital at the earliest. Delayed treatment may cause you to be unable to talk and have a bluish hue around your lips, known as “cyanosis,” indicating that your blood is becoming increasingly depleted of oxygen.

When should you see a doctor?
If your asthma attacks, immediately follow the treatment measures outlined in your asthma plan, which you and your doctor have devised together. Home treatment may be sufficient if your symptoms and peak expiratory flow (PEF) values improve. If your symptoms don’t improve after trying home treatments, you may need to seek medical help right away.

Use your quick-acting (rescue) inhaler as directed in your asthma plan when your asthma symptoms flare-up. If symptoms are better monitored, if the problem recurs, reach out to your doctor. If using a peak flow PEF values of 51 percent to 79 percent of your personal best indicate that you should take the quick-acting medications prescribed by your doctor. Many patients’ asthma plans are based on symptoms alone.

If very severe, always go to the emergency room for expedient care. A severe asthma attack can lead to hospitalization, ICU care and even death.

AT the end of the day prevention is better than cure. Take your prescribed medication regularly in the correct dose and correct time. Some maintenance inhalers cannot be used as a rescue inhaler so follow the instructions of your doctor. If you are not certain, make sure that you