Overview of asthma attacks

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease which causes the airways in the lungs to become narrow and inflamed due to various external factors or so called 'triggers'. The condition that precipitates due to these triggers is considered as an 'Asthmatic attack' or in medical terms an 'Acute Exacerbation of Bronchial Asthma'.

The occurrence of such attacks could vary from being mild to being life threatening which even might need Intensive Care treatment. Such patients would present in an emergency medical unit complaining of shortness of breath, cough, chest tightness and pain, and more evidently wheezing. In severe instances, the patients would not be able to complete a sentence or even will show signs of poor oxygen saturation in the blood causing a bluish discoloration of peripheries. In such cases time could be so precious in saving the patients life.

Causes for such attacks are varied. Seasonal variations are reported in some instances but more importantly following are associated.

• Infections
• Dust mite
• Weather changes
• Smoke, especially tobacco smoke
• Allergens
• Airway irritants such as chemicals, dust, hot or cold air
• Certain foods.

When a patient suffers from an acute attack of asthma, all management modalities will expect to improve the airflow to the lungs. Meaning, more oxygen should go in. In mild scenarios with no underlying infection, the treatment would only be a puff of airway dilators and suppressor of the inflammatory reaction in the said airways. But if the symptoms are not responding or shows signs of sever oxygen starvation as was described earlier, patients should not be treated at home!

At the emergency unit the patients will be positioned to facilitate breathing and artificial oxygen would be provided. Following confirmation of the diagnosis nebulization will follow with either single or multiple bronchodilator or anti inflammatory drugs. The medics will try to identify the underlying cause and if an infection is suspected antibiotics will be started. Oxygen saturation of the patients can be measured at these units and any deterioration can be detected and alternative treatment will be planned.

It's always a good idea to prevent such severe attack rather than undergoing the gruesome experience of oxygen hunger! Best way would be to identify triggers that can precipitate and be careful in encountering these events. It's not to say avoid activities and confine your self to a sterilized container! But to take precautions and not to over indulge!

So, follow these steps in avoiding these triggers,

Smoking: Abstain from smoking and do not allow anyone to smoke in your surrounding or in the household.

Dust mite: Encase your pillow casings and wash the bed linen at least weekly. Dry the linen in sunlight. Similarly stuffed toys should be regularly washed and keep out of the bed.

Pets: Best to keep outside the house and ventilate such places where the asthma prone individuals and their pets interact.

Exercise: if the asthma is under control, do warm up exercises before exerting your self. Avoid exercising outdoors if the air pollution is considered threatening.

Infections and cold: eat a balanced, healthy diet, be active, avoid people with flue or cold and drinking plenty of fluids.

Weather : Cover the nose and mouth when abrupt changes in the weather are taking place.

It's not a comprehensive guide in preventing such an attack, but is an eye opener. Therefore be on the lookout, live normally, but be self conscious.