Asthma is regarded as a chronic disease that affects the airways carrying air to and from your lungs. People who suffer from this condition are referred as asthmatic. When symptoms of asthma are worsened, a person suffers from an asthma attack. These attacks come suddenly and can be mild or severe in nature. Some of the common causes of asthma attack include upper respiratory infections, exercise, tobacco smoke, pollen, pets, dust m
ites, etc.
During asthmatic attacks:
- The muscles around airways tighten up resulting in narrowing of airway
- Less air flows through airway
- Inflammation of airways increases leading to further narrowing of airways
- Production of more mucus undermines further flow of air
A person should see their doctor if any of the following occurs:
- Inhaler does not provide any sort of relief.
- Symptoms like cough, breathlessness, chest tightness or wheezing, etc., are getting worse.
- He/she are to short of breath to speak, sleep or eat anything.
As soon as a person experiences these attacks, it is prudent to seek medical attention. It is because if these attacks are left untreated, it may lead to death.
One of the best ways of handling these attacks is preventing them. Every person experiences warning signs before the attacks. These warning signs usually vary from using inhaler more often, breathlessness to chest tightness. So, never ignore these warning signs. Every year, thousands of people die due to asthma attacks. Although, the numbers can be reduced provided right treatment is taken at right time. Many internationally approved medicines are also available in the markets that help in preventing asthma attacks. Some of those drugs are Singulair, Advair, etc. These drugs prevent the release of inflammatory substances in the body thereby preventing attacks. However, it is vital to take these drugs only after consultation with doctor. A point important to highlight that these drugs are not effective for treating asthma attacks that have already started. So, if your symptoms continue to get worse, do not make delay in seeking urgent appointment.