Asthma is a very common condition which affects a lot of people, both young and old. According to WHO (World Health Organization) approximately 262 Million people worldwide have Asthma. It can lead to difficulty in breathing which is very scary.
But did you know that adults are more prone to get Asthma attacks than children? In this article, we will explore what happens during an Asthma attack, and ways of managing it. Let’s dive in!
What Is Defined As Asthma?
Asthma refers to a chronic condition that affects the airways in the lungs. These airways act like tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs. In a person with Asthma, these airways get inflamed. This makes them sensitive to different potential triggers. A few common triggers include:
- Smoke (from fires and cigarettes)
- Allergens (like dust, pet dander and pollen)
- Exercise
- Cold Air
- Strong Odors (like cleaning products and perfume)
When a person with Asthma encounters triggers, this means that an Asthma attack might occur.
Symptoms Of Asthma Attack
During an Asthma attack, people experience a lot of different symptoms. The symptoms vary both in intensity and duration. While some may experience these mildly, others may experience severe distress:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Fatigue
- Tightness In The Chest
- Shortness Of Breath
What Does An Asthma Attack Look Like?
An Asthma attack has varying levels of severity but there are a few common changes that occur in the body:
Inflammation Of Airways
- During an Asthma attack, the airways become more inflamed. This indicates that the lining of the airways gets swollen. This makes them narrower.
- As the airways get swollen, it becomes harder for the air to move in and out of the lungs.
Increased Mucus Production
Apart from swelling, this produces more mucus when having an Asthma attack. This mucus clogs the airways and further restricts the airflow. It can feel sticky and thick and makes breathing even more difficult.
Tightening Of Muscles
Around the airways, muscles aid with airflow. During an Asthma attack, these muscles tighten, which narrows the airways even more. This condition is known as Bronchoconstriction. When the muscles become tight, it feels like a weight has been put on your chest.
Difficulty In Breathing
All of the changes mentioned above make it harder for the person to breathe. People who experience an Asthma attack end up feeling unable to get enough air. This ends up making them breathe faster or leads to a struggle to catch their breath. It leads to feelings of anxiety and panic, which makes the situation even worse.
What To Do During An Asthma Attack?
If you or someone else is having an Asthma attack, then it becomes important to act quickly. Here are a few steps that you can take:
Stay Calm
You need to stay as calm as possible. Panicking will only lead to more breathing difficulty. Rather, calm yourself down by taking slow, deep breaths.
Use An Inhaler
The majority of people with Asthma have inhalers. They contain medication that helps the airways open more quickly. If the inhaler does not help after a few minutes then it might be time to seek medical attention.
Sit Upright
Now what to do for Asthma attack without inhaler? Well, you can try sitting upright and straight. This position helps make the breathing easier by allowing easy airflow.
Avoid Triggers
If you know what triggered the attack, then try to get away from that place/object. For instance, if you are around strong odors or smoke, move to a place that has fresh air.
Seek Help If Required
If the symptoms do not improve even after trying all of the above-listed methods, then seek medical help immediately. This is very important if you experience trouble in speaking, have bluish lips, and are pale.
How To Prevent Asthma Attacks?
While it is still important to know how to respond to an Asthma attack, it also becomes crucial to take steps to prevent it altogether from happening:
Identify The Potential Triggers
Make sure to keep track of what triggers your Asthma. This will help you to avoid those triggers in the future. You can also consider keeping a diary to note when the attacks happened and what you were doing at the time.
Take Prescribed Medications
If your doctor has prescribed medications then make sure to take them as directed. These medications can help keep your Asthma under control. It can also help in reducing any risk of attacks.
Go For Regular Checkups
You need to visit regularly to monitor your Asthma. This will help ensure that your treatment plan is working and allow for adjustments as needed.
Always Stay Active
Regular physical activity can improve your overall health and lung function. However, if exercise is what triggers your Asthma then avoid it. Or you can talk to your doctor about how to stay active safely.
Chart An Asthma Action Plan
Work with your doctor on creating an Asthma action plan. This plan should outline what to do when your Asthma symptoms worsen and the apt time to seek help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of some frequently asked questions concerning the topic of “Asthma”:
Is Asthma A Communicable Disease?
Asthma is not a communicable disease. It is rather a non-chronic communicable disease which can affect both children and adults.
Can Asthma Patient Donate Blood?
Yes, a majority of people with Asthma can donate blood if their condition is well-controlled. However, a person who has Severe Asthma cannot donate blood.
Can One Live A Normal Life With Asthma?
With proper treatment, the majority of people with Asthma can live normal lives. By following prevention methods, people can make sure that their Asthma symptoms are kept under control.
In Conclusion,
Understanding what happens during an Asthma attack is very important for managing the condition effectively. By recognizing the symptoms and knowing how to respond, individuals with Asthma can lead healthy and active lives.
Don’t let asthma hold you back. Schedule your consultation with Allergy and Asthma Centre today to take control of your health! Our expert doctor will ensure that you get the right treatment according to your unique needs.
