Asthma, a lung disease that causes reversible inflammation and narrowing in the bronchial tubes, affects around 22 million people in the United States, 6 million of them children, the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute reports. Symptoms include wheezing, difficulty breathing, chest tightness and cough, which often worsen at night or early in the morning. If symptoms suddenly worsen, a person is suffering an acute asthma attack, which may require additional medications and medical treatments. Acute asthma attacks can cause death if severe.
Types
Acute asthma treatment consists of short-acting medications to treat acute symptoms as well as continuing daily medications that help keep inflammation under control. Short-acting medications, often called rescue medications, work by relaxing the airway muscles, which allows more airflow to the lungs, the Mayo Clinic website states. Most work within minutes and last four to six hours. Rescue medications given via inhaler include albuterol, levalbuterol, pirbuterol and ipratropium. Severe attacks may also require corticosteroids, powerful medications given orally or intravenously as well as in inhaled form to treat severe attacks.
Developing a Plan
The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute recommends developing an acute asthma attack plan with medical personnel before an attack occurs. A plan defines the parameters for adding a rescue medication, which might include peak flow meter readings. The type of medication to use and the dose should also be spelled out. Also included should be a determining factor on when to call medical personnel or go to the emergency room. Being aware of possible triggers and avoiding them if possible also helps decrease the risk of an acute asthma attack. Common triggers include poor air quality, smoking, allergens such as dust and pet dander, exercise, stress, cold air and infections, the Merck Manuals Online Medical library reports.
Benefits
Acute asthma treatment reduces inflammation and airway constriction in the lungs quickly, which makes it possible for a person to breathe more easily and allows more oxygen into the lungs. This benefits not only the lungs but also the heart, brain and other organs by putting less stress on them and increasing oxygenation.
Risks
Some short-acting medications can cause serious harm if taken long-term. Corticosteroid medications, if used frequently or in high doses, can cause significant side effects, including bone density loss, muscle weakness, decreased immune response, increased risk of infections, growth retardation in children and high blood pressure, reports the Mayo Clinic website.
Considerations
Asthma, like many chronic diseases, can require complex treatment. Regular adjustments to medication regimens may be necessary to keep asthma under control. Frequent acute attacks may indicate poor control of the disease. Acute asthma treatment should not be used as the main method of managing asthma. People who have frequent acute attacks may need more intensive daily therapy to avoid acute repercussions. Maintenance medications should be the mainstay of asthma treatment.
