Acute asthma attacks occur suddenly and unexpectedly. During an asthma attack, a person's airways become inflamed and produce excess mucus. The muscles around the airways constrict and airflow is reduced to vital organs. Symptoms include difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing. Though no cure exists for the respiratory condition, acute asthma attacks are controllable. According to MayoClinic.com, the most common types of treatment include quick-relief medications. Still, the clinic suggests patients should not rely on quick-relief methods and incorporate long-term asthma control medications and treatments.
Inhaled Medications
Bronchodilators offer patients fast relief when an asthma attack occurs. These medications are commonly inhaled and immediately make breathing less difficult. Between two and four puffs relieve sudden asthma attacks, and effects may last for several hours, reports MayoClinic.com. Up to three treatments every twenty minutes may be required. Additional nebulizer treatments may also be needed to reduce respiratory difficulties. Nebulizer treatments disperse medications into the lungs through a fine inhaled mist, using a machine. Common prescription medications include albuterol and levalbuterol. Ipratropium, a common emphysema and bronchitis medication, may also be prescribed for acute asthma attacks.
Corticosteroids
Occasionally, steroids are prescribed for use during severe asthma attacks to reduce lung inflammation. The medications should not be used long term due to the severe side effects associated with steroid use. Side effects include oral candidiasis, sore throat, increased bruising and adrenal gland suppression. Prednisone and methylprednisolone are two types of common corticosteroids prescribed to treat acute asthma attacks. The medications are available in oral and intravenous form. In severe emergencies, the medications may be injected.
Respiratory Therapy
Severe asthma attacks often require a patient to visit the emergency room for respiratory therapy. Supplemental oxygen may be delivered via a nasal cannula or mask. A patient may also need to be intubated on a ventilator, whereby a tube is placed down the throat and into the lungs to pump oxygen into the body. Medical doctors will continue to administer medications during this time to decrease the severity of the asthma attack, which can take several hours, or the patient can be admitted to a hospital's intensive care unit for further treatment and monitoring.
