Asthma Attacks
An asthma attack is what happens when your asthma symptoms become worse than usual.
What is Happening?
During an asthma attack the muscles around your airways tighten more than usual, leading to a bronchospasm. The inner lining of the airways swell and become irritated while the airways produce large amounts of mucus, which makes breathing even more difficult.
Symptoms
The symptoms of an asthma attack include:
- Coughing (which doesn’t seem to quit)
- Severe wheezing (when breathing both in and out)
- Severe chest tightness, pain or pressure
- Tightening of the muscles between your ribs and chest
- Shortness of breath (feeling as if you can’t catch your breath)
- Fast breathing
- Feelings of anxiety or panic
- Blue coloring of the lips and fingernails (cyanosis)
- A pale, sweaty face
During a severe asthma attack, few, if any, of these symtpoms respond to medication.
Frequency
Every person is different. Some may go for long periods of time without having an asthma attack, even a mild one. Others may have attacks more often and may have ones that are more severe.
An asthma attack is a sign that your condition is not under control. You may need to talk with your doctor about your asthma management plan. Medication or lifestyle factors may need to be adjusted.
How to Handle
An asthma action plan is the key to handling an asthma attack. Every person who has asthma needs to have one of these plans.
An Asthma Action Plan is a written document that details your asthma triggers, usual symptoms, peak flow readings, and what actions to take at different stages of the attack if your symptoms were to worsen. This plan should be developed with the help of your doctor, and should have three components:
- Stages of severity
- List of symptoms to watch for
- Actions to take
Be sure you have an asthma action plan and that you follow it closely. If your child has asthma, make sure any caregivers you use know about the plan and know how to use it.
See Also
An Asthma Action Plan Sample.
Learn How to Use an Asthma Action Plan.
What Kids Need to Know
Children who have asthma need to know how to handle an asthma attack on their own. As they get older their parents won’t always be close by to guide them. It’s important that they learn what actions to take.
An Asthma Action Plan is the key to knowing what actions to take and when. Make sure your child carries a copy of the asthma action plan, or knows where to find it in a hurry. Make sure the plan is in a form that your child can easily read and follow.
Treatments
Notice the Early Warning Signs
The best way to prevent an asthma attack is to avoid your personal triggers as much as possible.
It’s also important that you learn how to recognize the early warning signs of an impending asthma attack. These are symptoms which signal an attack and indicate that your condition is about to worsen.
They might include things such as: a frequent cough, shortness of breath, increased peak flow meter readings, feeling extra tired when you’re active, a negative change in mood and trouble sleeping. You may also notice cold-like symptoms including: nasal stuffiness, sore throat, sneezing and runny nose.
If you notice any of these symptoms take quick action to prevent an asthma attack.