Treatment for Asthma Attacks

Asthma is one of the common chronic diseases that affect the respiratory system. Treatment of asthma should be done at the right time as it can be life-threatening if it progresses to the severe stages. Let’s look at the treatment for asthma attacks.

Asthma is an important chronic disease characterized by constriction and inflammation in the air passages of the respiratory system. A person having asthma shows several symptoms of asthmatic attacks after being exposed to certain allergens or triggers. In general, the airways of such person become swollen, inflamed, tighten and secrete excess mucus that sometimes leads to mucus plugs. The most common symptoms are shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain and chronic cough.

Asthma is caused due to genetic or environmental factors or both. Air pollution especially using fossil fuels that produce harmful gases such as smog, nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide trigger the process of asthmatic attacks. Smoking either active or passive smoking at the time of pregnancy can increase the risk of asthma in the newborn baby. Other allergens that stimulate asthma attacks include wastes from household pests (cockroaches, dust mites), pollen, food allergies and indoor pollutants (perfumes, hairsprays, cosmetics). In children, asthma is mostly caused due to viral respiratory infections.

It is difficult to diagnose asthma at early stages, as it resembles other respiratory diseases such as bronchitis, emphysema and respiratory tract infection. In fact, many people suffer from asthma but are not aware of the disease condition. Diagnosis of asthma is usually done based on the symptoms, medical history and physical examinations.

Treatment for Asthma Attacks

Treatment of asthma is done for controlling the airway inflammation, reducing the symptoms, frequency and duration of asthma attacks. It is to be noted that one should avoid known irritants and allergens such as pollen, dust, smoke and molds that trigger asthma attacks. In general, inhalers (device that converts medicines into vapors) and nebulizers (electronic device that converts medicine into a fine mist) are used for clearing the airways. Depending upon whether asthma attacks are mild or persistent, asthma medications may be relievers or preventers. Relievers are used during asthma attacks to avoid symptoms, whereas preventers are used to prevent symptoms of asthma. Let’s see some of the treatments for asthma attacks.

If a person suffers from a mild asthma attack, he/she should sit and take reliever inhalers (puffers) immediately. If the symptoms don’t subside after the first puff, one can take continuous puffs at the rate of one puff per minute for five minutes or until the symptoms improve. During asthma attacks one can use short-acting medications for relaxing muscles of bronchi (bronchodilators) such as salbutamol and terbutaline. If the symptoms persist for a longer duration, it is necessary that the person should be hospitalized.

In case of a person suffering from persistent asthma attacks, preventers should be taken regularly under prescription. Some of the medications used to prevent attacks are long-acting bronchodilators and steroids such as beclometasone and fluticasone. They help in reducing the inflammation of the airways. Sometimes, treatment is done by combining both bronchodilators and steroids.

Side effects of the medications are rare in recommended doses; however, mild sores can be developed in mouth and throat. Treatment of asthma attacks should be done immediately as far as possible. An untreated asthma attack can cause silent chest, which is a dangerous sign. In case of a silent chest, there is no enough air movement, which leads to tightening of lungs and subsequently, wheezing stops. Sometimes, skin around the lips may turn bluish due to lack of sufficient oxygen in blood. A person suffering from these conditions should be hospitalized immediately to avoid further complications.

It is advisable to use a peak flow meter device for measuring the volume of the lungs at regular intervals. This way one can have an idea about any changes in the airways and can take precautions if necessary. A peak flow reading of 50-80% indicates a moderate attack, whereas a value of less than 50% indicates a severe attack. In addition, one should drink 8-10 glasses of water per day for thinning and easy expelling of the mucus. Controlling weight and regular exercise form an important part of treatment for asthma attacks. It is recommended to seek advice from a physician about the precautions to be taken to avoid asthma attacks.