Asthma is a lung disease that affects the breathing passageways. The airways in the lungs are called bronchial tubes. The walls of these bronchial tubes can become inflamed during an asthma attack. The inflamed bronchial tubes can become swollen and sensitive. The muscles around the bronchial tubes can constrict, narrowing the breathing passageways. The bronchial tubes can become coated with mucus, which further narrows the airways. Asthma can cause shortness of breath and a constricted sensation in the chest.
Triggers
Bronchial tubes are sensitive to certain substances that cause them to become inflamed. Avoiding asthma triggers can help prevent asthma attacks. Asthma triggers can vary between people, but they generally include tobacco smoke, pollen, dust mites, pets and mold. Exercise can trigger an asthma attack. Another trigger for an asthma attack is breathing in cold air that is also dry. Other triggers can be sulfites in foods and drinks, air pollution and aerosol sprays, such as hairspray.
Infections and Disease
Two conditions can trigger asthma attacks. An upper respiratory infection, such as a cold, can cause an asthma attack as well as gastroesophageal reflux disease. Washing hands frequently and keeping them away from the eyes, nose and mouth can help prevent colds.
Inhaler Treatment
According to the Mayo Clinic, people experiencing an asthma attack should follow the steps in the plan provided by a health care professional. Generally, these steps will include taking puffs on an inhaler with a fast-acting medication that opens breathing passages. A common medication for this purpose is albuterol. Two to six puffs on the inhaler are typically taken over a period of several minutes.
Corticosteroids
Other treatments include oral corticosteroids, which are taken in pill form. When the asthma attack is severe, the corticosteroids can be administered via injections.
Ipratropium
Another drug used to increase the size of the airways is ipratropium, which is used typically when albuterol proves to be ineffective.
Breathing Tube
When breathing cannot be brought under control because of an asthma attack, a breathing tube can be inserted down the throat to pump oxygen into the lungs.
