People who have asthma have airways that become narrow and inflamed. Symptoms of an asthma attack include wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and tightness in the chest. According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, more than 22 million Americans suffer from asthma, nearly 6 million of them children.
Process
People with asthma live with inflamed airways, the small tubes that carry air to and from the lungs. Since the airways are so sensitive, they react strongly to environmental influences, causing an attack. The muscles surrounding the airways contract when the passages are undergoing an asthma attack, causing the air flowing to the lungs to decrease. As the swelling worsens, the airways become even narrower. Mucus production in the airways increases and can eventually cause death if not treated.
Initial Symptoms
Catching an asthma attack in the initial stages is important. People living with asthma can live long productive lives if they learn to recognize the symptoms early and are prepared with treatments. Symptoms may vary over time and are different for each person. With experience, asthma sufferers get to know which symptoms they need to watch out for and when they typically occur. Doctors at the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute say that sometimes the coughing and wheezing is just irritating, while at other times the shortness of breath or chest pain can drastically affect a person's routine.
Triggers
Pollutants that can trigger an asthma attack also vary among patients but may include dust, animal dander, pollen and mold. Cigarette smoke, carbons in the air, chemicals in carpeting and other commercial building materials and aerosol sprays can trigger an attack for some people. Some medicines like aspirin do not bring on an attack in some, whereas food and drinks that contain suliphites are triggers for others. Physical exertion must be monitored as it often makes the airways contract. In addition, when asthma sufferers get a cold, their asthma usually flares up.
Treatment
There is no cure for asthma, but patients can build long- and short-term medical relief into their daily routines to prevent severe asthma attacks. Prevention of attacks includes recognizing and avoiding dangerous triggers for each individual. The Mayo Clinic recommends that asthma sufferers take two to six puffs on their inhaler, which contains albuterol or other medication that acts quickly, to stem the symptoms when they first appear. If the symptoms worsen and don't ease up after using an inhaler, patients should go to an emergency room for more intense treatments.
Diet
Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have found some link between diet and asthma flare-up frequency. They recommend foods that boost the immune system to control inflammation. Foods such as fruits and vegetables that contain beta-carotene and Vitamins C and E, along with a daily multivitamin, can help to build a stronger immune system. A daily serving of omega-3 fatty acids found in fish or flaxseed can also help to reduce inflammation in the airways. Diets high in salt can actually serve as triggers to asthma attacks.
