Asthma Attack: When to See a Doctor?

An asthma attack is a sudden aggravation of asthma symptoms marked by the tightening of muscles around your airways, making it difficult for you to breathe properly. This phenomenon of the tightening of the airways is known as ‘bronchospasm’. The lining of the airways grows swollen or inflamed during an asthma attack, and more mucus is produced than usual.

Breathing difficulties, coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath are all signs of an asthma attack caused by bronchospasm, excessive mucus production, and inflammation. Some people with asthma may go for long periods without experiencing an attack or any symptoms, only to have the symptoms develop periodically as a result of exposure to triggers like exercise or cold air.

After the patient receives treatment, the airways usually open up within a few minutes to an hour. Severe asthma attacks are rare, but they continue for longer durations and necessitate immediate medical attention. To avoid severe attacks and keep asthma under control, it is critical to detect and treat even the mild symptoms of an attack. 

When To Contact A Doctor For Asthma?

It is important to be able to differentiate between the signs of a mild and severe asthmatic attack. While the milder symptoms can be easily remedied at home, it is imperative to rush the patient to a nearby hospital in case the medications are ineffective.

If any of the following signs are detected, suggesting a fatal asthmatic attack, the patient should be taken to the hospital:

Ø Difficulty in breathing

Ø The appearance of the bluish colour on the lips, face, or nails

Ø Rapid coughing or wheezing

Ø Intense shortness of breath

Ø Difficulty in speaking

Ø Straining chest muscles

Ø Fainting

Ø Gasping

Ø Exhaustion

A peak flow metre can help determine the airflow levels in one’s lungs. If the values are low and show no signs of improvement the patient should be accompanied to the hospital. In the case of an attack that is life-threatening, coughing or wheezing symptoms may go away as the attack progresses. In such a situation, if one cannot speak a complete sentence or is having additional respiratory problems, it is crucial to seek medical help. On the other hand, if the rescue medication helps manage the symptoms, and one can walk and talk normally, the visit to the hospital can be avoided.

What Happens When You Don’t Contact A Doctor For Asthma?

In case a doctor is not contacted when necessary, the patient’s symptoms might worsen. Their breathing may become more laborious and the wheezing may grow louder. Using a peak flow metre in such situations will most likely result in a reading that is lower than one’s personal best.

During an asthma attack, the patient’s lungs may gradually contract to the point where there isn’t enough air circulation, resulting in wheezing. This is also known as the “silent chest,” and is a warning. Unfortunately, some patients mistake the absence of wheezing during an attack as a sign of improvement and thus fail to seek immediate medical attention.

The patient may grow unable to talk and have a bluish hue around his lips if they do not receive sufficient treatment for an asthma attack. This colour shift, known as “cyanosis,” indicates that the blood is becoming increasingly depleted of oxygen. One may lose consciousness, and such a situation could even prove to be fatal if they do not receive rapid aggressive treatment in an emergency room or critical care unit.

What To Do During A Severe Asthma Attack?

In addition to knowing when to contact a doctor for asthma, you should also learn the basics of first aid that will assist you in preserving your health in time. Making an asthma action plan with your doctor is a smart preventive measure. Given below are a few points to follow when one is experiencing a severe asthma attack:

1.  Give Asthma-related First Aid

Place the patient in a comfortable upright position and loosen any tight garments.  Assist the person in taking their asthma medication, such as an inhaler. Use an inhaler from a first-aid kit if the person doesn’t have one. Using someone else’s inhaler also carries the danger of spreading infection. It’s possible that the medicine inside isn’t the same as what’s needed for rescue.

 2.  Move Away Triggers

Take the patient’s rescue inhaler as soon as you notice symptoms of an asthma attack, such as wheezing or chest tightness. Examine whether he/she has been exposed to allergens or irritants that trigger asthma, such as dogs or cigarette smoke. Keep them away from any further triggers. 

3.  Use a Spacer If Possible

Remove the cap and give the inhaler a good shake. Now, insert the inhaler into the spacer. Allow the user to thoroughly exhale and close their mouth around the spacer mouthpiece. To take a puff, press the inhaler once. Allow the person to take a slow breath in through their mouth and hold it for 10 seconds. Puff four times, pausing for about a minute between each puff.

4. Continue Using Inhaler In Case of No Improvement

If breathing is still a problem, keep using the inhaler. Wait for 4 minutes after four puffs. Give another set of four puffs if the person is still having problems breathing. If there is still no improvement after 20 minutes, administer four to eight puffs every 20 minutes until an ambulance arrives. If you’re still waiting for assistance, take four to eight puffs as needed every one to four hours.

Common Treatments For Asthma Attack

If you’re brought to a hospital emergency department for an allergic asthma attack, the following are some of the most typical treatments:

• Inhaled, oral, or injected corticosteroids for mitigating lung and airways inflammation

• Bronchodilators for widening the bronchi

• Beta-agonists medications

• Intubation process for helping to pump oxygen to the lungs.

Conclusion

Asthma is a chronic condition that causes considerable morbidity, high costs for emergency care, hospitalisation, and death in certain cases. In asthmatic patients, current medication can help control their symptoms and prevent permanent airway abnormalities. This article helps you to understand everything you need to know about the condition.