Asthma Signs and Symptoms
Certain allergies or an upper respiratory infection can often bring the onset of a sudden asthma attack. Shortness of breath, a strong bout of coughing, and often wheezing are some of the symptoms of these attacks.
The definition of asthma indicates that it is a chronic disorder which occurs in the upper respiratory system. This often causes an inflammation in the bronchial tubes or airways. These then become swollen, making it very difficult to breathe. Some of the causes of asthma come from environmental and chemical factors, as well as genetic tendencies.
It is important to know what some of the most common triggers are for an asthma attack. Some infections, such as the common cold and flu can bring the onset of an asthma attack. Allergies are real culprits in exacerbating asthma as well. Medications allergies are important to avoid, as well as food allergies, pollens, and dust mites. Cigarette smoke is a definite instigator of an asthma attack, as well as certain chemicals in our environment. Exercising in very cold or very dry air can bring on the onset of an attack.
When any one 
of the above triggering factors occurs, agents within the body are released, some of which are called histamine. The bronchial tubes then become inflamed, which then leads to the narrowing of the airways, clogging the intake and outflow of air to the body. This then causes chest tightness, coughing, and shortness of breath. There are about 20.5 million people in the United States currently diagnosed with Asthma.
What is the actual definition of an Asthma Attack?
An asthma attack, also known as asthma exacerbation, is caused when the airways swell and become inflamed. The narrowing of these airways is caused by inflation, and possibly hyperactivity, along with bronchospasms. This inflammation in the airways is a result of exposure to irritants or allergens, and chemical mediators, one of which is histamine. These inflamed tissues then produce sticky, thick mucus, which then causes clogging in the airways. Often this mucus accumulates within the lungs themselves, causing a constriction of the airways.
Some bronchial tubes become chronically inflamed and are extremely sensitive to all irritants and allergens. This then becomes what is termed as ‘bronchial hyperactivity’. Asthma attacks can be triggered by GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease) or upper respiratory infections. Inhaling cold and/or dry air, along with other common know allergens such as dust mites, pets, pollens and tobacco smoke are also notorious for causing an asthma attack.
Asthma attacks and their Symptoms
A chain of changes occur within the airways and lungs during an acute asthma attack. These contribute to the developing signs and symptoms of an asthma attack. Excess mucus production and bronchospasms can trigger other signs of an impending attack, such as wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. The severity, duration, and symptoms themselves vary from person to person. Some of the earlier signs of an asthma attack are chronic cough, an itchy throat, headache, chest tightness, a disturbance in sleep patterns, and difficulty in talking. The most visible and common symptom is excessive wheezing. This manifests itself as whistling or hissing sounds while breathing. Wheezing most generally occurs during exhalation, but sometimes occurs also when inhaling.
When any of these early signs of an asthma attack occur, they immediate medical treatment should be acquired in order to prevent the attack from worsening. Often mild attacks of asthma can be cured within a few hours of being treated.
The less frequent asthma attack is the severe type. These are more serious though, and generally last longer and require more intervention in the way of medical help. Severe asthma attack symptoms often develop gradually, becoming quite serious within six to forty-eight hours. Certain signs are present during these attacks that indicate their worsening of severity. A low peak expiratory flow (PEF) rate is one of these signs. An increase in wheezing, fatigue and restlessness, and an increase in pulse rate are other severe asthma attack symptoms.
Life-threatening symptoms can occur with the sever asthma attack. Some of the typical symptoms are difficulty in talking, increased pulse rate, breathlessness, sweating, chest pain, and a peak flow reading in the ‘red’ zone. A silent, non-moving or non-breathing chest is a very important sign to watch out for. This is not typical in what most people think as severe, since there is an absence of wheezing during exhalation and inhalation. A bluish or gray tint to the skin, nail beds, and lips is an indication of lack of oxygen in the blood, also known as cyanosis. There is almost always a great feeling of anxiety in the one suffering the attack since they find it hard to function on the lesser intake of oxygen. Severe drowsiness, reduced alertness, and confusion are also present in a majority of cases. If not treated properly, an extreme case of asthma may lead to respiratory arrest and ultimately death. An asthma attack is considered a major medical emergency and requires and is granted immediate medical assistance.
The Treatment of an Asthma Attack
Asthma attack symptoms may mirror a number of other respiratory disorders, some of which are bronchitis, emphysema, and an upper respiratory tract infection, which can be brought on by a cold or the flu. It is therefore very important to get an accurate diagnosis to create and institute an optimal treatment and therapy plan. Pulmonary function tests help monitor the severity and duration of asthma symptoms. A peak flow reading is necessary, as well as spirometry, a nitric oxide measurement, as well as pulse oximetry. The treating of asthma focuses on the management of the symptoms, rather than the curing of them. Maintaining normal lung and breathing function is the goal to preventing severe asthma attacks. Medications on the market today such as oral cor
ticosteroids, and short-acting beta agonists are beneficial in asthma treatment. Other medications available are zileuton, methylxanthines, and montelukast are leukotriene inhibitors. These can be used to reduce inflammation when suffering from an acute asthma attack. Using hydrofluoroalkane, more commonly referred to as HFA inhalers can greatly help in the controlling and minimizing the symptom of breathlessness. When asthma attack symptoms become severe and life-threatening, more serious intervention needs to occur, such as intubation and utilizing a mechanical ventilation, which will facilitate an ease in breathing.
The best advice is to learn what your triggering factors of asthma are and avoid all contact with them. Identifying these allergic triggers is necessary to facilitate the avoidance of problematic outbreaks of asthma. Proper medical treatment, a healthy active lifestyle, as well as a nutritious diet will help prevent the occurrence of troublesome asthma attacks.
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