An aggravation of asthma is also known as an asthma exacerbation. The word exacerbation is used when there is a worsening of the disease or an increased severity of the signs and symptoms. Exacerbations can range from mild to severe. Regardless of the severity, patients should seek medical attention because an asthma aggravation can lead to severe breathing problems and require hospitalization.
Asthma
Asthma is a common disease that causes inflammation of the lower airway. The inflammation causes narrowing of the airways making it difficult for oxygen to move in and out. When patients are having an asthma attack they may complain of coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing and chest tightness.
Asthma Aggravation Triggers
The "Advanced Emergency Nursing Journal" indicates that asthma aggravations are generally triggered by an allergen or irritant. Triggers are different for each individual. Patients who are known asthmatics generally will know what things will trigger their attacks. Avoiding triggers is important to prevent severe aggravation.
Common Triggers
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some of the most important triggers for asthma are second-hand tobacco smoke, air pollutants, pets, mold and exercise. The environmental air can be problematic for people with asthma. News and weather information should be monitored by patients with asthma. Pet fur and home dust mites will trigger an attack. Dust mites are harbored in stuffed animals, down pillows or comforters and are not recommended for asthma patients. Mold is also a common trigger in asthma. In humid climates, the use of an air conditioner and humidifier can be beneficial in controlling the mold for those with asthma. Exercise is frequently associated with exacerbation of asthma. In addition, certain medications, foods and emotional stress can cause an attack.
Signs and Symptoms
Patients experiencing a mild aggravation may notice some shortness of breathing while walking and feel a slight increase in their heart rate. They may have mild wheezing, which is a high-pitched breathing sound made because of the narrowing of the airways. Asthmatics who are having a more severe exacerbation will complain of shortness of breath while at rest. Sitting upright is their preferred position because it is easier to breath. Because it is difficult to get oxygen in and out of the lungs, the person may appear agitated. They will have an increased respiratory rate and loud wheezing in the lungs. If a person does not seek medical treatment by the time he is in a severe attack the airways will continue to narrow causing complete obstruction and possibly death.
Treatment
Treatment of an asthma exacerbation may include supplemental oxygen and medications that will relax the smooth muscles of the lungs and dilate the airways. This will assist in decreasing the resistance and facilitating airflow to the lungs. In extreme cases, a patient may require a breathing tube be place through the mouth into the trachea that is connected to a mechanical breathing machine, which will breathe for the person.
References
- "Advanced Emergency Nursing Journal"; Emergency Management of Asthma Exacerbations; House & Ramirez; May 2008
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Important Asthma Triggers
