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Asthma is one of two known obstructive airway diseases. It is a condition caused by a reversible narrowing of the airways due to hyperreactivity to different types of stimuli that produce inflammation. Some of these stimuli may include dust mites, pollens, smoke, animal dander, exercise and cold air. When an asthma attack is occurring, the smooth muscles of the bronchi will go into spasms causing the tissue lining in the airways to swell and secret mucus into the airway. Since most asthma attacks vary in severity and frequency, in some cases the person will be symptom free with occasional, mild episodes that leave them short of breath. But in severe cases or after viral infections, some victims of this condition will cough, wheeze, be short of breath, have bouts of crying or laughing and complain of tightness in the chest.
An asthma attack can be over in minutes or it can last for hours or even days. During the attack it is not uncommon for breathing to become severely labored which might cause the victim to instinctively sit up and lean forward. This allows them to use the chest and neck muscles to aid their breathing even though they will continue to struggle for air. The victim may break out in a sweat due to the anxiety from the attack and effort they are forced to put forth to breath. With severe attacks the victim may be unable to talk or only able to say a few words before taking a breath. In these attacks it is not uncommon for the victim to show signs of confusion, lethargy and the skin may take on a blue appearance. These are all signs that the oxygen supply is extremely limited and should be treated as an emergency.
Doctors diagnose asthma based on the symptoms and this is usually confirmed by repeated spirometry test which are performed over the course of hours or days. These test will confirm that the airway narrowing is improving and is thus reversible. Since determining the cause or trigger of the asthma attack is often very difficult skin test may be given for allergies. If a certain allergen is suspected a blood test may be given that measures the level of the antibody that is produced in response to that allergen. This will aid the doctor in determining the degree of sensitivity. In some cases oxygen is given and if the victim is dehydrated they may be given intravenous fluids. If the doctor suspects an infection antibiotics could be prescribed. In rare cases the victim may be placed on a respirator.
In most cases asthma attacks can be prevented when the trigger factors have been identified and eliminated or avoided by taking medication. Through drug treatment most people with asthma can lead a somewhat normal life. But there is a difference in immediate treatments that only get an asthma attack under control and continuous treatment that is designed to prevent the attacks altogether. Sudden attacks of asthma are usually treated with beta adrenergic receptor agonists in the form of bronchodilators and this is considered to be the best drug for relieving and preventing this type of attack. These inhalation devices work in minutes with effects lasting up to six hours. Other drugs that are used to treat asthma attacks may include theophyline, corticosteroids, cromolyn, nedocromil, anticholinergic drugs and leukotrene modifiers.
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