Signs of an Asthma Attack (Acute Exacerbation), Its Causes, and First Aid

Acute exacerbation of asthma, better known as an asthma attack, is a sudden onset of symptoms that worsens quickly. Asthma symptoms can come at a sudden attack because the airway muscles suddenly tighten. The inflamed and swollen airways suddenly make it hard to breathe freely. This condition can also cause dangerous and life-threatening complications. Therefore, it is important to know the initial symptoms and first aid conditions. So, if you or someone else experiences it, you can do the treatment quickly and precisely.

Causes of an asthma attack (acute exacerbation)

The exact cause of asthma itself is unknown. However, some people's airways can become inflamed and swell when exposed to triggering factors.

Each person may have different trigger factors. Some of the most common include:

• Pollen from flowers, trees, and grass.
• Animal fur and cockroaches.
• Cigarette smoke, vehicle smoke, and garbage burning, and air pollution.
• Being in a cool place.
• Gastric acid rises due to GERD.
• An unstable psychological or mental health condition due to severe stress.
• Doing sports or strenuous physical activity.
• Dust and mold that fly in the air then inhale.
• Are experiencing upper respiratory tract infections, such as colds, sinusitis, chronic arthritis, and bronchitis.
• Antibiotics such as aspirin and ibuprofen, to beta-blockers for heart disease.
• Certain workplaces that require workers to be exposed to air and chemical pollution every day.

Because there are so many factors that trigger an acute exacerbation of asthma, the best way to determine the exact cause is to consult a doctor. So, don't just guess one of the factors mentioned above.

The most common symptoms of an asthma attack

Acute exacerbation of asthma has four distinctive features which include:

• Severe wheezing, which is a low whistle when you take and exhale.
• Coughing constantly, and tends to worsen at night.
• Breathing or gasping for breath
• Chest feels tight like crushed by a very large stone.

In addition to those mentioned above, asthma attacks can also be characterized by a series of other symptoms, such as:

• Low or decreasing peak flow meter.
• The body is very weak, lethargic, and not powered during or after exercise.
• Neck and chest muscles tighten or feel tight (retraction).
• Mood changes, such as being more silent or irritable.
• Symptoms like a cold or an allergy such as the runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, and headache.
• Dark eye bags appear.
• Difficult to sleep at night.
• Feeling thirsty all the time.
• Eye itchy or watery.
• Frequent diarrhea.

The above symptoms are the most frequently reported by patients. Maybe there are still other signs that have not been mentioned. In addition, it is important to know that the frequency, duration, the severity of asthma attacks can vary from person to person.

You could experience an attack after a long time it did not recur and the attacks also tend to appear more frequently than before. While some other people can experience attacks only at night when exposed to cold air, or every time you exercise.

Another thing to look out for; asthma attacks can suddenly get worse and weaken. Therefore, if you recognize the signs from the beginning, do not hesitate to immediately take medication. Whether it's taking asthma medication fast action or seeing a doctor directly.

Symptoms of an asthma attack that must be brought to the emergency room

Acute exacerbation of asthma is the emergence of symptoms that worsen suddenly in a relatively short period of time. This condition is many times more debilitating. Even to make it difficult for sufferers to move as usual.

Here are some of the characteristics of an asthma attack that needs immediate medical attention.

• Shortness of breath makes it difficult to eat and talk.
• The skin between the ribs and neck looks pulled in when you want to try to take a breath.
• The color of the face turns reddish or even pale
• Lips and nails change color to whitish or bluish.
• Symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, and chest pain continues to worsen despite taking asthma medication.
• Heart palpitations are very fast.
• Increasingly fast or fast breathing.
• You sweat a lot when you try to breathe.
• You are difficult or even unable to walk at all.
• You get so much panic and anxiety.
• Loss of consciousness.

If you or someone else has a severe asthma attack as mentioned above, seek medical help immediately. Treated too late, so the lives of sufferers can be lost.

You can call an ambulance (118) or go directly to the nearest hospital emergency room that is around you.

First aid for asthma attacks

Acute exacerbation of asthma can appear anytime and anywhere. That is why, if you or people around you suddenly show asthma symptoms, it is very important to know the action first aid.

The following guidelines for first aid when a recurring asthma attack.

• If acute asthma exacerbation of asthma relapses when you are on the move, you should immediately stop the activity.
• Next, try to calm the mind and try not to panic. Because panic actually aggravates the asthma attack that you experience.
• Find a flat seat and sit comfortably.
• Breathe slowly. Take a breath from the nose and exhale slowly from the mouth.
• Take the inhaler immediately and shake it several times so that the medicine inside is completely mixed.
• Insert the inhaler mouthpiece and tightly close the lips.
• Spray the inhaler once, then immediately take a deep breath through your mouth.
• If you need to use the inhaler more than once, wait a few minutes before the next spray.
• So that asthma attacks don't get worse, you should immediately avoid asthma triggers. For example, if your asthma trigger is cigarette smoke, stay away from people who smoke.

If the help above does not also alleviate the symptoms of asthma that you experience, immediately seek help from people around you. Ask people around you to call in health professionals and ambulances so that your asthma is quickly treated. This also applies if you meet other people who have asthma attacks.

The faster asthma is treated, the risk of asthma complications can be minimized. Without prompt and proper treatment, you can experience dangerous medical emergencies.

Yes, asthma attacks can weaken to disrupt the daily activities of sufferers. You may have to miss school, work, and even be hospitalized. In severe cases, this condition can also cause permanent damage to the lungs.

How to prevent recurrence of asthma attacks

The best way to avoid acute asthma exacerbations is to make sure your asthma is well controlled from the start. This means following the action plan, or asthma action plan for asthma. The asthma action plan itself is written instructions compiled with your doctor to monitor symptoms and determine the best treatment for your condition.

Usually, in an asthma action plan there are:

• Emergency telephone numbers are easily contacted, for example, parents, spouses, or close relatives.
• List of asthma triggers and how to prevent them. Because there are many triggers for asthma, consult a doctor is the best choice to know exactly what triggers your asthma.
• List of initial signs of an attack that need to be on the lookout.
• List of names and dosages of medicines and when and how to use them.
• Guide to first aid when asthma recurs.

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