What you Should Know
About an Asthma Attack
An asthma attack is a very serious thing,
although it is incredibly misunderstood, and many asthmatics
don’t even know much about an asthma attack, which is
actually an incredibly dangerous factor.
What Happens During an Asthma Attack?
Wheezing is what usually happens at the
start of an asthma attack, and if after the asthma attack progresses
further, the wheezing stops, then this usually indicates that many
bronchioles have become completely blocked, and this is an incredibly
serious condition and must be taken into note. However, it should also
be taken into consideration that not all asthmatics wheeze, and
therefore not everyone will wheeze before having an asthma attack.
Symptoms of an asthma attack include that of
the following: severe wheezing when breathing in and out, coughing that
won’t stop, very rapid breathing, chest pain or pressure,
tightened neck and chest muscles, difficulty talking, feelings of
anxiety or panic, pale and sweaty face, blue lips or fingernails, and
worsening symptoms despite the use of the proper medications.
It is incredibly important to treat an
asthma attack properly, as without immediate treatment, breathing will
become more labored, and the wheezing will also get worse. As well, as
the lungs continue to tighten up, it will become harder and harder to
breathe, and gradually, the lungs will tighten so much that there will
not be enough air movement to even produce wheezing.
If one does not receive immediate and
adequate treatment during an attack, they will eventually be unable to
speak and will also develop a bluish color due to this. The changing in
color of the skin basically means that you have less and less oxygen in
your blood, and without immediate and incredibly aggressive treatment
you will lose consciousness and eventually could die.
The best way to determine when an attack is
coming on is by learning about and understanding the warning signs,
such as: frequent cough, especially at night; reduced peak flow meter
readings; losing your breath easily or shortness of breath; feeling
very tired or weak while exercising or completing other forms of
physical activity; wheezing or coughing after exercise; feeling tired,
moody, or grouchy; trouble sleeping; and signs of a cold or allergies,
which includes anything from a runny nose and cough to nasal congestion
and a sore throat. It is incredibly important to take these early
warning signs into consideration, as recognizing these signs before the
attack actually happens will obviously save you in the end.
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