Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition in which the airways narrow and swell with excess mucus during an attack, according to MayoClinic.com. Symptoms of wheezing, coughing and chest tightness develop due to constricted air passages significantly reducing the intake of oxygen. There is no cure, but medications such as bronchodilators and corticosteroids help control symptoms. Asthma affects many bodily organs, and requires medical attention to keep it under control.
Lungs
The primary organ affected by this respiratory disease is, of course, the lungs. The lungs contain intricate bronchial pathways that procure oxygen for distribution throughout the body, according to The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. If an external trigger such as allergies, pollution or exercise causes an attack, these pathways quickly tighten due to tissue inflammation and the smooth muscles around the airways. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute notes that a lung function test, which includes peak flow metering and lung volume measurement, can assess the severity of a particular asthma case.
Heart
Normally, with each inhalation, oxygen diffuses through the tiny blood vessels within the alveoli, or air sacs, for release into the bloodstream. This oxygen-rich blood flows back to the heart, which then pumps and distributes it to other bodily tissues, according to KidsHealth. During an asthma attack, however, the body's oxygen intake is significantly reduced. This causes the heart to work harder as it has to obtain the same amount of oxygen within tighter constraints.
Brain
In severe asthma attacks when appropriate measures are not taken to relieve the onset of sudden symptoms, cerebral hypoxia can ensue, which means a lack of oxygen supply to the brain, according to MedlinePlus. Mild cerebral hypoxia includes inattentiveness, poor judgment and uncoordinated movement. If the brain does not get adequate oxygen for an extended period of time, an individual may go into a coma. Asthmatics experiencing a severe asthma attack require immediate medical attention to circumvent any secondary complications.
