Symptoms Of An Asthma Attack
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic condition involving the respiratory system in which the airways occasionally constrict, become inflamed, and are lined with excessive amounts of mucus, often in response to one or more triggers.[1] These episodes may be triggered by such things as exposure to an environmental stimulant such as an allergen, environmental tobacco smoke, cold or warm air, perfume, pet dander, moist air, exercise or exertion, or emotional stress.
Asthm a Attack
An asthma attack is a sudden worsening of asthma symptoms caused by the tightening of muscles around your airways (bronchospasm). During the asthma attack, the lining of the airways also becomes swollen or inflamed and thicker mucus — more than normal — is produced.
What Happens During An Asthma Attack
The muscles around your airways tighten even more than usual, going into what is known as bronchospasm. The inner lining of the airways swell and become irritated. At the same time, your airways produce large amounts of mucus that make breathing even more difficult.
Managing Asthma Symptoms
When you have asthma, it’s important to know how to notice asthma symptoms quickly, then deal with them. Getting control of your asthma also means tracking your symptoms over time.
Symptoms of An Asthma Attack
Many people have heard of asthma “attacks,” but unless you or someone you know has had one, you may not be sure what happens during such an attack. Simply put, a flare-up of asthma symptoms, such as wheezing or coughing, constitutes an attack. We’re fortunate in this day and age to have a variety of medical treatments available to help prevent and treat these attacks.
Acute Asthma Attack
An acute, or sudden, asthma attack is usually caused by an exposure to allergens or an upper-respiratory-tract infection. The severity of the attack depends on how well your underlying asthma is being controlled (reflecting how well the airway inflammation is being controlled).
The term ‘asthma attack’ is a colloquialism that refers to any acute exacerbation of asthma, where airways air constricted enough to cause discomfort and/or shortness of breath. Other symptoms of asthma attacks include wheezing and coughing. Asthma attacks can come on very suddenly and should be treated in some way as soon as possible.
