Asthma Attack – Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

Asthma attack is a chronic lung disease that causes inflammation and narrowing of the bronchial tubes that carry air to and from the lungs. This results in coughing, chest tightness, wheezing and shortness of breath. Asthma affects people of all ages but often starts in childhood. With proper management, most people with asthma can control their symptoms and prevent asthma attacks.

Asthma Attack Symptoms:

The most common symptoms of asthma attack include:

• Wheezing – a high-pitched whistling sound when breathing out
• Coughing – often worse at night or early mornings
• Chest tightness or pain
• Shortness of breath

Asthma symptoms can be mild and intermittent or more severe and persistent. Symptoms will also vary from person to person. Many people will experience asthma attacks, which are sudden onsets of severe symptoms, that make breathing very difficult. Asthma is usually diagnosed based on a combination of symptoms and lung function tests.

Asthma Causes:

The exact causes of asthma are unknown. However, researchers have identified certain triggers that can lead to asthma symptoms or set off an asthma attack in a person who already has the condition. Common asthma triggers include:

• Allergens – pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander
• Irritants – cigarette smoke, air pollution, chemicals
• Respiratory infections – colds, flu, sinus infections
• Weather and air temperature changes
• Exercise
• Stress and emotions

Additionally, people with a family history of asthma or allergies have a higher risk.

Treatment

While there is no cure for asthma, the goal of asthma attack treatment is to control symptoms through:

• Avoiding known triggers
• Using inhaled corticosteroid medications to reduce inflammation
• Using bronchodilators to relax airway muscles and open narrowed airways
• Monitoring asthma severity with regular doctor’s appointments and lung function tests

During an asthma attack, quick-relief bronchodilator inhalers can provide immediate symptom relief. People with moderate to severe asthma may always need to take daily long-term control medications. With proper management, most people with asthma are able to prevent attacks and live symptom-free.

The key is to identify triggers, follow treatment plans, and make lifestyle changes that minimize exposure to these triggers. Seeing an asthma specialist can also help optimize and customize treatment plans. While living with asthma can be challenging, the condition is manageable with today’s modern treatments.