Identifying the symptoms of an asthma crisis and appropriate actions to take
Asthma is a health condition that affects millions of people worldwide, causing symptoms such as shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, wheezing, and general difficulty breathing. This article aims to provide helpful information on the signs and symptoms of asthma attacks, when to seek immediate medical help, and how to manage this condition effectively.
Warning Signs of an Asthma Attack
The warning signs of a forthcoming asthma attack can include an increased need to use rescue asthma medication, a worsening cough, feeling short of breath, reduced tolerance for exercise, and sleep disturbances. If you notice any of these signs, it's essential to pay close attention and consult your doctor as soon as possible.
Symptoms of a Severe Asthma Attack
A severe asthma attack can be life-threatening, and prompt recognition and treatment are crucial. Signs that someone is already experiencing a severe asthma attack can include rapid breathing causing the skin to "suck in" around the chest or between the ribcage when inhaling, changes in skin color around the eyes, lips, fingertips, or nail beds, rapid movement of the nostrils, deep and rapid in-and-out movement of the ribs or stomach, expanded chest that does not deflate on breathing out, and no response to or recognition of parents or caregivers in infants with asthma.
In addition, severe asthma attacks may present with symptoms such as severe shortness of breath and rapid, shallow breathing, wheezing or no wheezing due to severely impaired airflow, chest tightness or pain, use of accessory muscles for breathing, difficulty speaking full sentences or walking without gasping, bluish discoloration of lips, skin, or nails (cyanosis) indicating low oxygen, nasal flaring and chest retractions, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, confusion, or fainting, and paradoxical pulse (weaker pulse during inhalation) and chest over-inflation.
When to Seek Immediate Medical Help
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it's essential to seek immediate medical help. This includes calling emergency services or going to the emergency room. Some specific situations that warrant urgent care include worsening symptoms despite using a rescue inhaler, difficulty breathing persisting or worsening, especially if you can’t speak full sentences or walk without gasping, the presence of cyanosis (blue lips or fingertips), if nasal flaring, chest retractions, or extreme fatigue are observed, signs of confusion, dizziness, or fainting, if peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) is ≤ 80 L/min or ≤ 25% of predicted best, indicating severe airflow limitation, and frequent waking at night due to breathing issues or needing rescue inhaler more than usual.
Managing Asthma Effectively
Keeping asthma under good control can help prevent most cases of severe asthma attacks. People with asthma should have an asthma action plan, which is a plan that guides them through how to treat their asthma depending on the symptoms they are experiencing, and what to do in case of an asthma attack. If someone is having a mild asthma attack, they may be able to treat it with asthma medication, such as a quick-acting inhaler.
It's also important to book a follow-up appointment with a doctor after an asthma attack, continue taking prescribed asthma medication, and rest to recover. A person will need to carry a reliever inhaler with them, which may contain asthma medication to relax the muscles around the airways. These medications include short-acting, rapid onset beta-2 agonist and anticholinergic bronchodilators. Some people with asthma may benefit from using a peak flow meter, a breathing device that monitors how well the lungs are working.
In all these cases, early recognition and treatment based on an asthma action plan are critical. Individuals with brittle asthma or poorly controlled asthma are at higher risk of severe attacks. Regular check-ups with a doctor and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help manage asthma effectively.
[1] Asthma UK. (2021). Asthma attacks: What to do if you have an asthma attack. Retrieved from https://www.asthma.org.uk/about/asthma/asthma-attacks/what-to-do-if-you-have-an-asthma-attack/
[2] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Asthma symptoms and causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/symptoms-causes/syc-20351757
[3] National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2021). What Is an Asthma Action Plan? Retrieved from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/asthma-action-plan
[4] NHS UK. (2021). Asthma attacks. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/asthma/asthma-attacks/
[5] American Lung Association. (2021). Asthma Attacks. Retrieved from https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/asthma/understanding-asthma/asthma-attacks
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