Health condition
Most asthma episodes or attacks start slowly. If not stopped,
the person can difficulty breathing and become life threatening.
During an asthma attack, the airways get narrow, making it difficult
to breathe. Common symptoms of asthma are:
Wheezing
· usually begins suddenly
· is episodic
· may be worse at night or in early morning
· aggravated by exposure to cold air
· aggravated by exercise
· aggravated by heartburn (reflux)
· resolves spontaneously
· relieved by bronchodilators (drugs that open the airways)
Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling sound produced
by air flowing through narrowed breathing tubes, especially the
smaller ones deep in the lung. It is a common finding in asthma
and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The clinical
importance of wheezing is that it is an indicator of airway narrowing,
and it may indicate difficulty breathing.
Wheezing is most obvious when exhaling (breathing
out), but may be present during either inspiration (breathing
in) or exhalation. Wheezing most often comes from the small bronchial
tubes (breathing tubes deep in the chest), but it may originate
if larger airways are obstructed or in certain cases of vocal
cord abnormalities.
v Cough with or without sputum (phlegm) production
shortness of breath that is aggravated by exercise breathing that
requires increased work intercostal retractions (pulling of the
skin between the ribs when breathing)
v Shortness of breath
Some asthmatics have chronic shortness of breath
with episodes of increased shortness of breath. Other asthmatics
may have cough as their predominant symptom. Asthma attacks can
last minutes to days, and can become dangerous if the airflow
becomes severely restricted.
When an asthma attack occurs, the muscles of the
bronchial tree become tight and the lining of the air passages
swells, reducing airflow and producing the characteristic wheezing
sound. Mucus production is increased. Most people with asthma
have periodic wheezing attacks separated by symptom-free periods.
Emergency symptoms:
· extreme difficulty breathing
· bluish color to the lips and face
· severe anxiety
· rapid pulse
· sweating
· decreased level of consciousness (severe drowsiness or
confusion) during an asthma attack
Additional symptoms that may be associated with
this disease:
· nasal flaring
· chest pain
· tightness in the chest
· abnormal breathing pattern, in which exhalation (breathing
out) takes more than twice as long as inspiration (breathing in)
· breathing which temporarily stops
· coughing up blood
In sensitive individuals, asthma symptoms can be
triggered by inhaled allergens (allergy triggers), such as pet
dander, dust mites, cockroach allergens, molds, or pollens. Asthma
symptoms can also be triggered by respiratory infections, exercise,
cold air, tobacco smoke and other pollutants, stress, food, or
drug allargy. Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory
medications (NSAIDS) provoke asthma in some patients.
There are many kinds of triggers. They can range
from viruses (such as colds) to allergies, to gases and particles
in the air. Given this range, you may find it hard to figure out
what starts your asthma attacks. Below are some of the common
triggers:
· Dogs, cats, or other animals
· Colds or flu
· Pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds
· Dust or mold
· Strong odors from perfumes, paints, sprays, or other
items
· Smoke from cigarettes or from burning wood, paper, or
other items
· Weather changes or very cold air
· Air pollution
· Crying, laughing, or yelling
· Exercising, what type of exercise?
· Aspirin or other medicine
· Other
Once you find out your triggers, you can do something
to prevent your asthma attacks. This gives you control. The result
is that when and if you have attacks, there's a good chance that
they will be less severe and you won't have as many.
For example, do you get an asthma attack after you've
exercised? If you do, you should tell your doctor. You can get
help.
Most people can tell when an asthma episode is coming.
You can often stop an asthma episode when you catch
it early and take your medicine. If you fail to do this, your
symptoms may get worse. Learn what your warning signs are. Make
a plan with your doctor or nurse about what to do when you notice
your warning signs.
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