Asthma exacerbation may severely worsen an asthmatic condition through shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing or chest tightness. The exacerbation occurs because of decreases in airflow that increase the severity of asthma reactions. Inhaled agents, drugs to reduce inflammation or asthmatic reactions and oxygen therapy help treat asthma exacerbation. Doctors advise early recognition and intervention before the attacks become so severe they are life threatening, according to UpToDate. Long-term control helps patients, but they need to recognize their triggers and track their daily breathing to avoid or prepare for severe attacks.
Inhalers
Inhaled short-acting beta agonists used early and frequently usually help relieve moderate to severe asthma exacerbation, according to UpToDate. This helps reduce airflow obstruction. Patients may increase the frequency of the inhaled substances until improvement occurs. The drugs provided through quick-relief bronchodilators rapidly ease symptoms of asthma attacks.
Corticosteroids
For asthmatics who do not get immediate or noticeable relief from inhaling beta agonists, systemic corticosteroid treatment may work. Corticosteroids help suppress and reverse airway inflammation. Some patients receive oxygen to relieve hypoxemia, a condition of inadequate oxygen in the blood. Patients already taking corticosteroids may have the dosage increased until proper airflow occurs. Treatment may include oral or intravenous corticosteroids to relieve inflammation. Corticosteroids work effectively for short-term treatment of severe asthma symptoms, MayoClnic.com notes.
Assessment
Doctors make objective assessments of the conditions about every one or two hours until definite and sustained improvements occur in the patient. Patients who have no significant improvement within four to six hours following care may be admitted to a hospital or doctor's clinic for closer monitoring and care. Patients with a history of severe exacerbations may have more intensified therapy. Health care providers usually help patients understand better ways of self-management to avoid or recognize recurrent attacks. Doctors and patients may develop a new action plan to deal with future symptoms. A written plan helps guide patients through self-management of exacerbation at or away from home.
Management
Frequent communication between doctor and patient helps to spot any changes in symptoms, such as peak flow or decreased responsiveness to inhalers, according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. Patients may pay special attention to withdrawal or removal of allergens or irritants within the environment that may contribute to asthma exacerbation. Doctors often advise asthma patients to drink large amounts of liquids or breathe warm, moist air from a hot shower. Over-the-counter products that include antihistamines, cold remedies or bronchodilators help avoid or reduce symptoms, but severe attacks need medical attention.
