There are a lot of people who suffer from acute asthma. The attacks are so intense that it can even be frightening to some. Asthma is a type of chronic disease that has people around the world to suffer. It’s a respiratory impairment that occurs when the airways become inflamed and narrow.
The presence of mucus and bronchial constriction can lead to further discomfort of the sufferer. What usually happens, the body will be unable to put in air to the air sacs found on the lungs. This is the reason why a patient will suffer from having shortness of breath.
A person is said to have an acute asthma when the symptoms shown will lead to a medical intervention.
In order to have a better knowledge about acute asthma, it is best to know what the different symptoms are. In this way, when a person is having an asthma attack proper medical attention can be applied.
Here are the different symptoms:
1. Difficulty in talking
2. Wheezing
3. Physical exhaustion
4. Rapid breathing
5. Marked recession
6. Coughing
7. Pain inside the chest coupled with constriction
8. Paradoxical pulse
9. Lack of consciousness
10. Turning blue
11. Limbs become numb
12. Icy feet
13. Palms become sweaty
Take note, these symptoms if taken one by one might not even constitute an acute asthma attack. But the presence of some of these symptoms is a good indicator that there is already an attack.
It is very important for patients who suffer from acute asthma attack to pay attention to each and every symptom in order to avoid another attack to occur. There are many people who tend to neglect that when the gulping and the wheezing show signs of improvement, medical aid is being neglected.
When the wheezing and the gulping is coupled with having the lips turn into blue and there is lack of consciousness, then such condition require an immediate medical attention to avoid death.
People who suffer from asthma may stop acute attacks through taking the necessary steps and medication in order to prevent aggravating the situation. What they can do is use a peak flow meter n order to monitor their current condition. First things first, measure what is the baseline peak flow through inhaling and exhaling right towards the meter when they are in a good healthy and fit condition.
If the peak flow measures at 50-80% lower that the baseline peak flow, then it is an indicator that an acute asthma attack might happen. It is highly recommended to take immediate action before the situation will get worst.
It is advisable that patients should tag along a card or wear a bracelet that will trigger medical intervention when needed. Patients should organize a very good plan in case an attack will occur. The card should have the number of the physician, ambulance, and a person whom can be contacted in case of emergency.
If the reliever does not work at all, then it is time to dial the numbers found on the card. It should be pointed out to the physician and people contacted at the hospital that the asthma attack is not responding well to the treatment given and it is now becoming an acute asthma attack. Before help will arrive, the patient should use the reliever, taking in 6-8 puffs within 5-6mins.
Acute asthma can be prevented through monitoring the different symptoms and proper medication should be given.