Asthmatic Episode: Symptoms, Remedies, and Additional Information
Managing asthma is crucial for those affected by this chronic breathing condition. Here's what you need to know about asthma, its triggers, symptoms, and strategies for managing attacks.
Asthma is a condition that causes inflammation in the bronchial tubes, leading to difficulty breathing. It can affect anyone, but statistics show that Black people are nearly three times more likely to die from asthma than white people.
Symptoms of an asthma attack include trouble breathing, coughing, wheezing, rapid heart rate, being unable to complete a sentence, panic and anxiety, loss of consciousness, confusion, hands and feet turning blue or white, and warning signs such as a scratchy or sore throat, trouble breathing, an unexplained cough, poor sleep, increased chest congestion, fatigue, headache, abdominal pain, fever or chills, eczema flare, increased allergy symptoms, runny or itchy eyes, and a runny or congested nose.
In an asthma attack, the bronchial tubes constrict, making breathing very difficult. During such an episode, helping the person remain calm, moving away from the allergen or source of the attack, using a rescue inhaler, avoiding hyperventilating, and calling 911 or going to the emergency room are strategies that might help.
Untreated asthma attacks can cause death or lasting damage to the body. In the United States, 3,518 people died from asthma in 2016. It's essential to seek immediate medical attention if a person's asthma rescue inhaler does not work, and they cannot breathe, a person turns blue, white, or purple, a person loses consciousness, a baby or child has difficulty breathing and cannot talk, a person has a very rapid heart rate, and asthma medication does not help, a person seems very confused after an asthma attack, a person hits their head after fainting or during an asthma attack, or there are other life-threatening complications.
To avoid asthma triggers, recommended measures include preventing respiratory infections by frequent hand washing, avoiding sick people, and getting annual flu vaccines. Reducing allergen exposure can be achieved through regular cleaning to remove mold spores, pet dander, dust mites, and pest droppings; keeping pets out of bedrooms and using air purifiers if possible. Avoiding irritants such as smoke, pollution, strong odors, and cold air is also important. Managing exercise, stress, and emotional triggers can help prevent attacks as well.
People with asthma should develop an asthma attack plan with their doctors and alert others to their condition, including parents ensuring teachers and school administrators know about a child's asthma. Wearing a medical alert bracelet may help alert first responders to a person's asthma status.
People with asthma can reduce the risk of an attack by exercising, maintaining or reaching a moderate body weight, avoiding asthma triggers, managing environmental and food allergies, quitting smoking, and taking certain medications, including maintenance inhalers and potential biologic therapy. In severe asthma attacks, a person may need oxygen through a mask or a ventilator in the hospital.
Understanding asthma, the triggers, and treatment options can help a person feel a sense of control over their condition. If you or someone you know has asthma, it's crucial to talk with a doctor about any new or changing symptoms, and to follow a personalized asthma action plan. By doing so, you can help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of asthma attacks.
- Eosinophilic asthma, a type of severe asthma, is characterized by high levels of eosinophils, a type of white blood cell.
- Asthma is classified as a chronic respiratory condition, but it can also have an impact on sleep quality due to frequent awakenings.
- Workplace wellness programs can help identify employees with undiagnosed asthma and provide resources for managing the condition.
- Managing medical conditions like asthma requires understanding the science behind the disease, including the role of inflammation in the bronchial tubes.
- Aside from asthma, chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease are common health concerns that require ongoing management.
- Digestive health is an important aspect of overall wellness, and certain digestive issues can sometimes be associated with asthma.
- Regular eye exams are essential for maintaining eye health, especially for those with asthma who may be more susceptible to certain eye conditions.
- Hearing tests are essential for early detection and treatment of hearing loss, which can occasionally be a side effect of some asthma medications.
- Health and wellness encompass more than just physical health, and mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression are common in people with asthma.
- Mental health disorders can impact sexual health, which is why addressing these concerns is crucial for men's health.
- Maintaining good skin care is important for overall health, and people with asthma may be more prone to skin conditions such as eczema.
- Therapies and treatments for asthma can include various medications, lifestyle changes, and mind-body interventions such as yoga and meditation.
- Proper nutrition is essential for managing weight and overall health, and certain foods can trigger asthma attacks in some individuals.
- Aging brings a unique set of health challenges, including an increased risk for asthma and other chronic diseases.
- Womens health encompasses various aspects, including reproductive health, breast health, and the impact of hormones on asthma symptoms. Parenting also requires knowledge about managing asthma symptoms in children and the importance of asthma education in schools.
