Asthma Attack Symptoms

Asthma is a chronic disorder of the respiratory system, which causes inflammation of the airways (bronchial tubes). This leads to constriction and swelling of airways, causing difficulty in breathing. The causes of asthma are associated with genetic, chemical and environmental factors. Some common triggering factors for asthma are infections such as cold and flu, allergies to certain medicines, pollens, dust mites, food allergies, irritants such as cigarette smoke or dust and some chemicals. Asthma could also be caused by certain exercises performed in cold and dry air. When a person is exposed to any of the triggering factors, histamine and other agents are released by the body. This can cause inflammation of bronchial tubes, which leads to narrowing and clogging of the airways. It can give rise to symptoms such as breathlessness, coughing, wheezing and chest tightness. About 20.5 million people in the United States are diagnosed with asthma.

What is Asthma Attack?

Asthma attack or asthma exacerbation is caused by swelling and inflammation of airways. The narrowing of airways is caused by inflammation, hyperreactivity or bronchospasm. The inflammation of airways results from an exposure to allergens or irritants or from the action of chemical mediators such as histamine. The inflamed tissues produce thick, sticky mucus, which can cause clogging of the airways. This mucus may accumulate within the lungs, causing breathing difficulties. The tightened muscles are wrapped around the airways, which causes constriction of airways. Chronically inflamed bronchial tubes become extremely sensitive to allergens or irritants. This condition is known as 'bronchial hyperreactivity'. Asthma attack is triggered by upper respiratory infections, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), inhaling dry and cold air and certain allergens such as pets, pollens, dust mites, molds and tobacco smoke.

Symptoms of Asthma Attack

During an acute asthma attack, a series of changes occur within the lungs and airways, which contribute to develop signs and symptoms of asthma attack. Inflammation, excess mucus production and bronchospasm can cause various signs and symptoms of asthma attack such as shortness of breath, wheezing and cough. The symptoms of asthma attack may vary in severity and duration from person to person. Early warning signs of asthma attack are headache, chronic cough, itchy throat, difficulty in talking, disturbed sleep patterns, difficulty in breathing, chest tightness and wheezing. Wheezing is one of the most frequently seen symptoms of asthma attack. It is a whistling or hissing sound that comes with breathing. Wheezing is heard usually during exhalation; however, it can also occur during inhaling. When these early signs of asthma attack are noticed, then one should seek immediate medical treatment in order to prevent severe asthma attacks. Mild asthma attacks are more commonly seen and they can be cured within a few hours after an appropriate treatment.

Severe asthma attacks are less frequent. However, they may last for a longer duration and require immediate medical treatment. The symptoms of severe asthma attack develop gradually and may become serious within 6-48 hours. There are certain signs that indicate worsening severity of asthma attack. These signs include a low peak expiratory flow (PEF) rate, increased pulse rate, increased wheezing, fatigue and restlessness.

In case of severe asthma attack, there may be life-threatening symptoms. Some typical symptoms of severe asthma attack are breathlessness, difficulty in talking, nasal flaring, increased pulse or heartbeat, chest pain, sweating and peak flow reading in the 'red zone'. Silent chest is an important sign of severe asthma attack. There is no wheezing during inhalation or exhalation. There may be certain symptoms of cyanosis such as gray or bluish tint to skin, lips and nail beds. There may a feeling of anxiety, reduced alertness, severe drowsiness or confusion during severe asthma attack. An extremely severe asthma attack may lead to respiratory arrest and death. Asthma attack is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate medical assistance.

Treating Asthma Attack

The symptoms of asthma attack may resemble other respiratory disorders such as respiratory tract infection, bronchitis and emphysema. Hence, an accurate diagnosis of asthma is very essential to decide adequate treatment option. The severity of asthma symptoms is monitored with the help of pulmonary function tests, such as peak flow reading, spirometry, nitric oxide measurement and pulse oximetry. Asthma treatment focuses on managing the symptoms, maintaining normal lung function and preventing severe asthma attacks. Certain medications such as short-acting beta agonists, oral corticosteroids, leukotriene inhibitors such as montelukast and zileuton and methylxanthines can be used to reduce inflammation in an acute asthma attack. The use of HFA inhalers (hydrofluoroalkane) can help in controlling the symptoms of breathlessness. If symptoms of asthma attack are life-threatening, then intubation and mechanical ventilation become necessary to help breathing.

The best way to prevent an asthma attack is to avoid any contact with triggering factors. You need to identify the allergic triggers and avoid their exposure as much as possible. With the help of appropriate medical treatment, nutritious diet and a healthy lifestyle, you can prevent these troublesome symptoms of asthma attack.