ASTHMA ATTACK (PART 1 OF 3)

ASTHMA ATTACK (PART 1 OF 3)

·         Asthma is a chronic disorder of the lungs and of the respiratory system.

·         It is essentially the narrowing of the breathing tubes, resulting in an inability to breathe.

1. Symptoms

·         Bronchial asthma manifests as breathlessness, wheezing and cough, due to hyper-reactivity of the air passages.

·         It is often nocturnal and causes exhaustion.

2. Triggers

·         An asthma attack is triggered when allergens are present in the respiratory system and the body releases hormones - histamine and leukotrienes - to combat them.

·         Secretion of these hormones causes contraction of the bronchi (air passages), inflammation (swelling) of the inner walls, and increase in quantity of mucus at a later stage.

·         Repetition of this process damages the air passages, with structural and functional changes.

·         It is triggered by smoke, cigarette smoke, dust, dust mites, pollens, animal fur, infections, climate change, cold air, pollen, viral infections, colouring agents in foods, medicines and emotional stress.

·         Sportsmen can also often suffer from exercise-induced asthma (EIA).

3. Diagnosis

·         Medical history, physical examination and lung function tests help to diagnose asthma.

·         Measurement of lung function is useful both for diagnosis and to monitor the course of the disease and the level of control.

·         These tests include spirometry and peak flow, which measures the maximum speed at which air can flow out of the lungs.

·         If inadequately managed, it can lead to permanent lung damage.

4. Treatment and prevention

·         Asthma cannot be cured, but most people with asthma can effectively treat and control it so that they have few and infrequent symptoms and can live normal active lives.

·         Avoiding outdoor and indoor allergens, following appropriate drug treatments, and home monitoring are key elements in preventing dangerous asthma attacks needing hospitalization.

  

5. Seek emergency help

·         When routine activities cannot be carried out.

·         When breathing interferes with talking, eating or sleeping.

·         When effect of inhalers lasts for less than 3 hours.

·         When peak expiratory flow rate is less than 30% of predicted value.

·         When there is exhaustion, confusion, perspiration or rapid pulse.

·         If your see your skin turning blue, rush for medical help.