A sudden asthma attack can be a frightening thing for both the individual experiencing the attack and those who may be nearby and called upon to help. Asthma is a condition characterized by sensitive airways that can narrow or become inflamed, making it difficult to breathe. Many events or substances can trigger an asthma attack, including smoke, a cold, chemicals, pollen, changes in temperature and medications. Because of the long list of possible triggers, an attack can happen at any time, and most patients with asthma carry inhalers that can decrease or even stop a sudden attack. When an attack is severe or persistent, the patient may end up in the emergency room, where treatments are fairly standard.
Inhaler
In the event of an asthma attack, the first step is always the use of an inhaler, or MDI (metered-dose inhaler). Virtually all patients diagnosed with asthma are prescribed an inhaler that can deliver medication at a moment's notice. If the patient's personal inhaler is not available, try asking others nearby for theirs. If the use of an inhaler does not stop the attack within a short time, the patient should be taken to a hospital.
Oxygen
In an acute asthma attack, a patient is unable to move air into and out of the lungs, and therefore oxygen levels in the lungs and blood drop. Administration of oxygen through a face mask is a very likely first step in restoring blood oxygen levels in the emergency room. Many of the deaths that occur due to asthma attacks at home can be prevented if oxygen is available on location. Patients with a history of recurrent severe attacks should consider having home oxygen available.
Nebulizer
Once a severe attack has begun, a patient may be unable to inhale sufficiently to make the use of an inhaler effective. A nebulizer can provide a larger, more continuous dose of medication, making it more effective.The medication is vaporized in saline and is inhaled as a vapor by the patient until a full dose has been delivered. According to the Mayo Clinic, the medications used are typically short-acting beta-2 agonists, such as albuterol, which are drugs that relax the smooth muscles surrounding the airways.
Monitoring/Education
Once the initial acute stage of an asthma attack has been controlled, a patient will likely be monitored for several hours to ensure that the attack does not return. Blood oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, as well as lung function, will be monitored. Before being released from the hospital, a patient will be educated on prevention strategies, potential triggers that may cause a severe attack and how to use prescribed medications.
