Asthma attacks can be incredibly scary, both for those suffering them and for anyone nearby. When an asthma attack occurs, it causes a patient’s airways to become inflamed, which, in turn, causes the muscles to contract, the airway to produce extra mucus, and the bronchial tubes to narrow.
Minor asthma attacks can be managed at home with proper treatment. However, severe asthma attacks can quickly become life-threatening emergencies that require prompt medical care.
The most important aspect of putting a stop to an asthma attack is learning how to recognize the early symptoms. Anyone with a loved one who suffers from asthma should learn both how to administer Asthma First Aid and how to recognize the signs of an attack, as described below.
Early Warning Signs
Learning to recognize the changes that occur at the very beginning of an asthma attack, or even before it begins in earnest, gives patients and their loved one’s time to prepare and stop the attack from getting worse. Most early asthma attack symptoms are not very severe and do not stop people from performing routine daily activities, but they should still be taken seriously.
People who suffer from asthma should pay close attention to their breathing. If asthma patients notice that they’re feeling a little short of breath or feeling weak when exercising, it’s worth stopping to treat those symptoms. People who are about to experience an asthma attack may also experience changes in mood such as becoming grouchy, moody, or easily upset.
These precursors to asthma attacks turn into symptoms such as frequent coughing, wheezing, and cold-like symptoms, all of which can escalate rapidly. Learning to recognize early warning signs and treat symptoms as soon as they set in can make it easier to prevent severe attacks and medical complications.
What to Do
Recognizing symptoms only helps if people know what to do. If someone is suffering from a minor asthma attack, sit the person upright, loosen his or her clothing if it’s tight, and help with the administration of medications such as rescue inhalers. If the symptoms don’t get better, be prepared to call for emergency medical help.
Symptoms That Require Emergency Medical Care
While minor asthma attacks can be treated at home, some symptoms can be life-threatening if not addressed immediately. Seek medical attention for any asthma patient who shows signs of experiencing a serious attack, which often include:
- Severe wheezing and/or breathlessness
- An inability to hold conversations due to shortness of breath
- Straining the chest muscles to breathe
- Low readings from a peak flow meter
- Lack of symptom improvement after using a rescue inhaler
A lot of people with asthma experience their worst flare-ups at night or early in the morning. Their loved ones may want to watch symptoms that appear during these times especially carefully and be prepared to call for help if they can’t be controlled at home.
The Importance of Providing Immediate Care
Asthma attacks can be a minor annoyance that temporarily disrupts a person’s day, or they can be dangerous events that require hospitalization and can cause life-threatening complications. Take all asthma symptoms seriously, and provide care as soon they appear.