Asthma Attack: Know How You Can Treat and Manage It

Asthma is a lifelong respiratory disorder caused by swelling of the airways. It is a non-reversible disease but can be minimized and managed with effective asthma treatment options. Nearly 25 million Americans suffer from the deadly asthma illness, resulting in over 1.6 million trips to the ER each year.

Some asthmatics experience periods of symptom-free time, while others experience challenges daily. Here is everything you need to understand for seamless asthma management and curb the deadly effects of asthma in time!

What Does a Typical Asthma Attack Look Like?

Asthma is a condition that blocks the airways of the lungs. When addressed properly, small signs and symptoms of asthma attacks can resolve immediately. During an asthma attack, you may feel too breathless to speak, eat, or sleep. You may be unable to breathe at all and have chest pain as well. This could be accompanied by severe coughing or wheezing too. Several asthma attacks can even lead to life-threatening emergencies.

Asthma attacks can occur in the following ways:

• The walls of the airways swell, and the openings accumulate with mucus when internal and external factors trigger the inflammation.
• Muscles within the airways contract and further narrow the airways.
• Exhaling can be difficult with narrowed airways.
• The difficulty in exhaling develops the symptoms of an asthma attack.

Significant Signs and Symptoms of Asthma

Not all asthmatics have the same sensations or react similarly. It's important to identify the signs and symptoms of Asthma and get started with the right medication to cure them.

Early Signs of Asthma

Early warning signs occur right before or at the start of an asthma attack. Common asthma symptoms include:

• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Chest pain or tightness
• Difficulty speaking and sleeping

You can also experience these signs when your condition is getting worse:

• Asthma symptoms are more frequent and troublesome
• Increased difficulty in breathing
• Need to use the inhaler more frequently

Severe Symptoms of Asthma

Asthma symptoms widen for some people in certain circumstances. Once you become conscious of the asthma symptoms, it's crucial to address them immediately and undergo a suitable asthma treatment, as the situation can worsen and become fatal. The following are the severe symptoms of asthma:

• Extreme wheezing during inhalation and exhalation
• Uncontrollable cough
• Fast breathing
• Chest pressure or discomfort
• Retractions or compressed neck and chest muscles
• Trouble speaking
• Anxiety or anxious emotions
• Pale and sweating face
• Blue fingernails and lips

Causes of Asthma

An overactive immune system causes your lungs to swell and inflame when exposed to specific triggers. The causes differ from one person to another and necessitate personalized asthma treatment. Common asthma triggers are listed below:

• Allergies
• Smoking
• Respiratory infections such as a cold
• Exercise
• Heartburn
• Food and food additives
• Weather
• Air pollutants such as smoke
• Airborne substances such as mold spores, pollen, dust mites, or pet dander

What are the Treatment Options for Asthma?

Asthma treatment varies from person to person, depending on the individual conditions. Regular visits to your doctor are required to monitor your symptoms and the functioning of your lungs. This helps your doctor to create an asthma action plan that provides quick relief and long-term control.

An asthma action plan guides the patient to:

• Work with their doctor and follow the action plan to reduce the impacts of asthma.
• Become aware of their asthma triggers and how to avoid them.
• Take medications correctly and as prescribed by their doctor.
• Visit their doctor as per the schedule or when required.
• Report any changes immediately to their doctor.
• Report if the medications cause any side effects.

Medication for Asthma Management

An effective asthma medication is essential to treat the illness. There are two basic sorts of medication, each aimed at achieving a particular objective. These are as follows:

• Quick-relief medications

They are also known as rescue drugs. They ease the muscles that surround your airway. Overusing rescue medicine cannot effectively control asthma. Quick-relief medications comprise inhalers that quickly open your breathing passages and make breathing easier. These inhalers can prevent impending asthma attacks.

• Long-Term Control Medications

These medications treat the airway inflammation that develops asthma signs and symptoms and keeps the condition under control. Long-term control medications are consumed on a routine basis for better asthma management.

The signs and severity of asthma are always evolving. Therefore, adhering to a customized strategy under the guidance of a professional can help you prevent asthma attacks and reduce the disruptions brought on by severe symptoms. 

Get the Right Asthma Support at 8-2-8 Urgent Care Clinic

At the 8-2-8 Urgent Care walk-in clinic in Oceanside, California, our experienced providers can treat severe allergic illnesses and different forms of Asthma. From the smallest allergy symptoms to life-threatening asthma attacks, we are prepared to stabilize you in extreme situations and provide professional Asthma Management. 

Contact 8-2-8 Urgent Care, and our staff will walk you through our online check-in from the convenience of home! Call (760) 216-6253.