People with asthma lead normal lives thanks to treatments that deal with symptoms. It is imperative for them to be prepared to take medication in case asthma attacks occur and to avoid substances that trigger episodes. Pulmonary function tests are performed to determine if a person has asthma. Then, an appropriate treatment plan is devised to prevent attacks and treat the effects of asthma.
Narrowed Airways
The airways of the lungs have muscles that contract abnormally when responding to certain chemicals, and this causes asthmatic reactions. Tissues lining the airways swell from inflammation to further narrow the airway. When this happens, it takes extra effort for an asthmatic person to breath air in and out of the lungs, the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library explains. The narrowing of the airways is reversible because the muscles respond to chemicals used in bronchodilators, the inhaled or oral medication used for asthma. The muscular contractions cease and the airways widen again, relaxing the air passages to the lungs.
Asthma Episodes
Airborne allergens, air pollution, respiratory infections and physical activity in exercise-induced asthma are among the triggers that set off the asthmatic reactions, the Mayo Clinic says. Some medications, stressful situations, sulfites and allergic reactions to certain foods can produce the same effects. The narrowed airways produce the common symptoms of coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath from asthma. Sometimes the symptoms come on suddenly with wheezing. At other times, the episode may start slow and get worse with chest tightness accompanying the other symptoms. The shortness of breath can cause extreme anxiety as the person struggles for air. Sweating, increased pulse rate and a pounding in the chest may also occur. The attacks can last a few minutes or go on for hours, according to the Merck Manuals.
Severe Attacks
During severe asthma attacks, wheezing may subside because so little air is coming in and out of the lungs. Speaking may be difficult because the person needs to work at taking a breath. Oxygen can become diminished. Emergency treatment is necessary if the person shows signs of confusion, lethargy or skin color turning blue. Loss of consciousness occurs in rare cases. Appropriate treatment usually results in complete recovery. The Merck Manuals recommends carrying medical alert bracelets or cellular phones for emergency help.
Untreated Asthma Effects
Poorly treated asthma can result in chronic asthma over the years, according to Global Initiative for Asthma. Deteriorating lung function and even death, although rare, can occur. Children do not grow properly with poor treatment. Pregnant women who are not treated properly risk death of an unborn baby and children with poor growth.
