An asthma attack, also known as an asthma exacerbation, is characterized by a sudden worsening of asthma symptoms due to the constriction of the muscles surrounding the airways. However, it’s important to note that asthma attacks can vary among individuals.
The experience of an asthma attack can differ from person to person, as each individual may have different levels and manifestations of symptoms. According to Dr. Melinda Rathkopf, an expert in allergy, asthma, and immunology, what constitutes an attack for one person may be different for another.
Although individual attacks may present with varying symptoms or levels of severity, they share a common factor: a rapid deviation from one’s normal asthma symptoms, which, with proper management, may be minimal or absent.
Dr. Marilyn Li, an associate professor of pediatrics, emphasizes the sudden and distinct nature of an asthma attack. It represents a notable event characterized by a swift onset of symptoms that deviates from a person’s usual symptom pattern.
Asthma Symptoms and Triggers
During an asthma attack, individuals may experience various symptoms, including difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, increased mucus production, shortness of breath, chest tightness or pressure, and in severe cases, blue lips or nails due to hypoxia. However, the latter symptoms are considered extreme and less common, according to Dr. Rathkopf.
Triggers for asthma attacks can vary from person to person, but the two main causes are allergies and infections, as explained by Dr. Rathkopf. Allergic asthma triggers commonly include pollen (particularly during specific seasons), mold, dust mites, cockroaches, and pet dander, especially from cats. Cat dander, in particular, tends to stick to the airways, exacerbating asthma symptoms.
Upper respiratory infections like the common cold, flu, or sinusitis can also serve as triggers for asthma attacks.
Additional potential triggers include cigarette smoke, perfumes or fragrances, stress and strong emotions, cold air, physical exercise, acid reflux, and adverse weather conditions. Certain weather events, such as high winds, can worsen asthma symptoms by dispersing airborne elements like pollen and dust into the air, which can then trigger an attack.
Dr. Li mentions that during Santa Ana winds in California, airborne particles like pollen and dirt become more prevalent due to the wind blowing them off surfaces. This increased presence of airborne allergens can easily enter the airways and contribute to an asthma attack.
Prevention for Asthma Attacks
Some periods of asthma last only a few minutes, while others can be quite severe and require emergency medical attention. Many cases of minor assaults are manageable at home. Try the following.
1. Avoid Your Triggers
If you are aware of your asthma triggers, it is advisable to avoid them as much as possible in order to prevent asthma attacks. However, there may be instances where avoiding triggers is not feasible. In such cases, if you find yourself experiencing an asthma attack and you know the trigger, take immediate action to remove yourself from the source.
For example, if you enter a house with a cat and notice symptoms of an asthma attack, it is recommended to leave the environment and get some fresh air. Similarly, if you are outdoors in cold weather and the cold air is triggering your symptoms, seek shelter indoors or cover your mouth with a scarf to help warm the air you breathe.
Taking prompt action to remove yourself from the trigger can help minimize the severity of the asthma attack and potentially prevent it from worsening.
2. Follow Your Action Plan
It is essential for every asthma patient to have an asthma action plan provided by their doctor. These personalized plans outline the recommended steps to take during an asthma attack.
Being prepared is crucial because asthma attacks can occur unexpectedly. This applies to everyone, even individuals who have never experienced an asthma attack before. As Dr. Rathkopf explains, some people may mistakenly believe they cannot have asthma because they have never had an attack. However, the absence of previous attacks does not eliminate the possibility of having asthma.
The first course of action after removing yourself from the trigger, or if avoidance is not possible or the trigger is unknown, is typically to use medication.
4. Take Your Rescue Inhaler
It is recommended that every individual with asthma have a rescue medication, typically an albuterol inhaler or similar bronchodilator, readily available at all times. These medications work quickly to open up the airways and facilitate easier breathing. Even if you haven’t needed to use the medication for an extended period, it is still important to carry it with you as a precautionary measure.
In cases of severe asthma, injectable epinephrine may be prescribed by doctors, although this is relatively uncommon.
During an asthma attack, it is generally advised to take two to four puffs of the rescue medication, as suggested by Dr. Li. It is crucial to follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider or outlined in your asthma action plan.
5. Stay Calm
During an asthma attack, it can be beneficial to consciously relax your upper body and focus on slowing down your breathing. It’s important to avoid panicking, as this can exacerbate the situation. While panic attacks and asthma attacks are distinct, they can sometimes occur simultaneously. By remaining calm and composed, you can help manage the symptoms and navigate through the asthma attack more effectively.
Get Medical Help
If you’ve experienced an asthma attack in the past, you may have a sense of how the current attack will progress. It’s important to note that individuals with a history of severe asthma attacks are at a higher risk of experiencing another severe attack. Previous symptoms can serve as a predictive factor for future reactions.
If you don’t experience improvement after using your rescue inhaler as directed, you may need to repeat the process according to your asthma action plan. However, if your symptoms persist or worsen, it’s crucial to seek medical attention. This can involve visiting the emergency room or contacting your doctor’s office, especially if you have a respiratory infection. While rescue medications may provide some relief, more extensive medical assistance may be necessary.
Certain signs indicating the need for emergency medical treatment include the inability to speak due to shortness of breath, a lack of improvement after using the rescue inhaler, and the need to strain your chest muscles in order to breathe. These symptoms warrant immediate attention to ensure appropriate management and care.