Acute Asthma Attack - Symptoms And Management

There have been many victims of acute asthma attack and the intensity of these attacks can be frightening. Asthma is a chronic disease that has many sufferers around the world. Respiratory impairment occurs due to the fact that the airways are inflamed and narrow. There is bronchial constriction and mucus may also cause further discomfort. The body is unable to ventilate the air sacs in the lungs which may cause distress. The patients suffer from shortness of breath and may also have wheezing. A person is said to suffer from an acute asthma attack when the symptoms flare up necessitating medical intervention most of the time.

Symptoms Of Acute Asthma Attack

• rapid breathing
  
  


• physical exhaustion
  
  


• difficulty in talking
  
  


• wheezing (which is quiet)
  
  


• coughing
  
  


• marked recession
  
  


• paradoxical pulse where the pulse is strong during expiration and weak during inhalation
  
  


• constriction and pain in the chest
  
  


• turning blue due to lack of oxygen
  
  


• lack of consciousness
  
  


• numbness in limbs
  
  


• sweating of the palms
  
  


• feet may turn icy
  
  


• peak respiratory flow is less than 50% of the mean value
  
  

These patients can avoid acute asthma attack by paying attention to the signs and symptoms that indicate that their condition is not improving. Many people have made the mistake of neglecting to get medical aid as the wheezing and the gulping appears to have got better. If this occurs with lips turning blue and lack of consciousness, the condition is very serious demanding immediate medical intervention in order to avoid death.

People suffering from asthma may prevent acute attacks by making sure they take the necessary medication to prevent the situation from aggravating. They can make use of a peak flow meter to monitor their condition. It is required that they get their baseline measurement by inhaling and then exhaling into the meter when they are feeling fit. If their peak flow measurement is 50%-80% lesser than their baseline peak flow measurement, it may indicate they are at risk of an acute asthma attack if they do not take immediate action. If the peak flow reading is lesser than 50% of their normal reading it is time they sought medical intervention as a severe attack can become life threatening in some cases.

It will help if patients carry a card or wear a medical alert bracelet that can be useful if medical intervention is needed. The patients need to have worked out a plan on what has to be done during an attack. The patients may also keep a card with the name of their physician, his number as well as the number of an ambulance, and the relative or friend who has to be contacted. If the inhaled reliever is not working, it is time you sought immediate medical help. Make it a point to inform them that you have an acute asthma attack and are not responding to treatment. Till help arrives continue to use the reliever taking 6-8 puffs every 5-6 minutes. Make sure to use a spacer as it will be of great help. The best way to manage asthma and to prevent an acute asthma attack is to monitor the symptoms, take medication promptly and ensure that the condition does not get aggravated.