1. Taking Your Breath Away
Asthma occurs when the lungs get irritated and constrict or narrow. Inflammation in the lungs also occurs. The combination of inflammation and constriction make it difficult to breath. People with severe asthma may experience flare-ups often for various reasons. A reaction to an allergen may cause asthma symptoms. Some people have exercise-induced asthma. Having a respiratory infection such as a cold or bronchitis may cause symptoms to flare.
2. Reduce Asthma Triggers
Asthma allergens are different for everyone. Common allergens are dust mites, pollen, grass and mold. Determine your allergens by keeping track of when your symptoms start and what you may have been exposed to. It may be impossible to eliminate allergens completely. However if your asthma is severe it is essential to reduce allergens as much as possible. Use dust mite proof bedding and keep windows closed if the pollen count is high. Reduce mold build up by using an exhaust fan when showering.
3. Learn How to Measure Up
A peak flow meter is a device to measure the amount of air you can force out. Although it may be apparent when you are having a severe asthma attack, the beginning of an attack may seem mild. The meter will help you determine how much your breathing is affected. Take a deep breath in and blow out hard into the device. Look at the marker on the meter to get your reading. Use a meter a few times when you don't have asthma symptoms to determine what's normal for you. When asthma symptoms start take a measurement to see how much less you can blow out. Taking your medication at the first sign of a problem may reduce the chances of a severe asthma attack developing.
4. Severe Asthma Can Be Life Threatening
When an asthma attack starts symptoms may be mild at first. They may include tightness in the chest, wheezing, shortness of breath and anxiety. Asthma becomes life threatening when symptoms become worse and treatment is either delayed or not working. With severe asthma breathing can become so difficult a person can go into respiratory failure, which means they can't get enough air in their lungs. The lack of oxygen will eventually cause brain damage and death.
5. Asthma Medicine You Need to Know About
Medication for asthma includes fast acting bronchodilators, long acting bronchodilators and steroids. When asthma symptoms start a fast acting bronchodilator such as an albuterol inhaler helps reduce symptoms. Long acting bronchodilators and steroids are meant for long tern control and prevention of asthma symptoms. If you have severe asthma preventative medications may be especially important and reduce the chances of flare-ups. Be sure you understand which medications to take during an attack and which you will take daily for prevention. .
