Severe asthma is a type of lung disease that does not respond well to standard asthma treatments. If left untreated, it can progress to a serious and even life-threatening condition. Allergens such as dust, pets, and cleaning products are common triggers for asthma, as are some less common triggers such as weather changes and emotional distress.
This article discusses asthma triggers, symptoms to look for in a severe asthma attack, and how severe asthma is diagnosed and treated in the hospital.
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Severe Asthma?
Asthma is a progressive disease, which means that it begins with mild symptoms but can progress to severe ones over time. It is caused by inflammation or swelling of the airways, making air passage difficult.
Severe asthma symptoms vary from person to person, but the following signs may indicate a severe asthma attack:
Coughing, particularly early in the morning and late at night
Chest constriction,
Breathing difficulty,
Wheezing,
Talking is difficult
Lips or fingernails that are blue,
Feeling perplexed or agitated,
Symptoms that do not improve as a result of medication.
Asthma attacks are typically treated with quick-relief medications administered via a device known as a rescue inhaler. If your asthma symptoms do not improve after taking this or other medications, it could be a sign that you have severe asthma.
What Is the Cause of a Severe Asthma Attack?
When an individual is exposed to an allergen, severe asthma attacks are common. It’s important to remember that everyone has different triggers, so developing a strategy to identify yours can help reduce the frequency of severe asthma attacks.
The following are the most common allergens that cause asthma attacks:
Tobacco smoke: Despite the fact that tobacco smoke is known to trigger asthma attacks, 1 in 5 people with asthma smoke, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 4 Passive smoke, also known as secondhand smoke, can aggravate asthma symptoms.
Air pollution: Because there is no way for an individual to control the air around them, air pollution is one of the most difficult triggers to avoid. Using maintenance therapies, on the other hand, can help reduce the risk of asthma attacks caused by air pollution.
Pests include creatures such as cockroaches and rodents. These allergens are commonly found in urban homes and can be reduced by keeping the home clean in order to avoid attracting these unwanted guests.
Mold: Molds found both inside and outside the home can aggravate asthma symptoms. Mold is typically found in damp areas, so identifying potential mold-infested areas inside and outside the home can help you avoid mold-related asthma attacks.
Cleaning and disinfectant products: Asthma attacks can be triggered by these common household items. The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) “Safer Choice” program can assist you in selecting safer products for you and your family.
People with severe asthma are more likely to have asthma attacks on a regular basis. Severe asthma may not respond well to standard asthma treatment, so it is critical to identify and avoid your own triggers.
Summary
Severe asthma is dangerous and can be fatal. People with asthma should work with their healthcare provider to identify their triggers and avoid them whenever possible. If triggers cannot be avoided or a severe asthma attack occurs, treatment options are available, which may necessitate hospitalization.
Thank you for reading.
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