Asthma Attack

In an asthma attack, the airways become inflamed and narrowed, and excessive mucus is produced. It makes breathing very difficult. Asthma is a common chronic respiratory disease that varies from mild to life-threatening. Allergens, exercises, cold air, and irritants such as smoke are major causes of asthma. Early detection of symptoms and timely management prevent serious complications, including respiratory failure. Although asthma is incurable, it can be effectively managed through proper medication and lifestyle modifications.

Asthma impacts approximately 15% of Pakistan’s population, with a 5% annual increase in prevalence. Among cases, 20-30% occur in children aged 13-15, reflecting a growing health concern nationwide. At FitwellHub, we use telehealth and AI technologies to provide remote consultations and advanced imaging for asthma attacks. This helps provide faster, personalized care to patients across Pakistan, improving accessibility and treatment outcomes.

Symptoms

Common symptoms of an asthma attack are:

• Shortness of Breath: During an asthma attack, the constricting of airways reduces airflow and causes difficulty breathing. The patient also feels suffocation or shortness of breath.
• Wheezing: During an asthma attack, the affected individual produces a high-pitched whistling sound while breathing, especially during exhalation.
• Chest Tightness: In an asthma attack, the muscles around the airways contract and tighten. This produces a feeling of tightness or pressure in the chest.
• Coughing: Coughing frequently occurs at night or early morning. Coughing During an attack of asthma, the body tries to clear the constricted airways. 
• Rapid Breathing: The lack of oxygen causes the individuals to breathe faster than usual, leading to hyperventilation and worsening their asthma attack symptoms. 

When to See a Doctor

Asthma can lead to one’s death if not treated immediately. If you or your loved one experiences severe shortness of breath, extreme wheezing, or feelings of chest pains that do not improve with the use of a rescue inhaler, move to the hospital as soon as possible. Severe attacks can result in respiratory failure or unconsciousness if the oxygen levels become too low. At FitwellHub, our pulmonologists specialize in treating asthma and can provide emergency care to manage severe asthma attacks.

Ready to take the first step toward a healthier, happier you? Book an appointment with us today, and let our experts guide you on your wellness journey! 

Causes

Allergens

Common allergens such as dust mites, pollen, pet hair, mold, and cockroach droppings can trigger bronchial asthma attacks.

• Exercise: When an individual undergoes intensive exercise, especially in cold, dry air, it triggers the development of an exercise-induced bronchoconstriction attack. Hence, triggering the asthma attacks.
• Air Pollution: The presence of smoke, car emission fumes, industrial chemicals, and other strong odors causes irritating symptoms and increases the risk of asthma attacks. 
• Cold Air: Cold, dry air inhalation causes airway constriction and triggers an asthma attack, especially in individuals who have exercise-induced asthma.
• Stress: Emotional stress or anxiety triggers an asthma attack by changing breathing patterns. It causes airway constriction and inflammation. 

Risk Factors

Major risk factors for the development of an asthma attack include the following:

• Family History: Asthma or any other allergic condition in the family history increases an individual’s risk of getting asthma and, consequently, asthma attacks.
• Allergies: Individuals with allergies, particularly allergic rhinitis or atopic dermatitis, are more vulnerable to developing allergen-induced asthma attacks.
• Occupational Exposure: Work-exposure irritants such as chemicals, dust, or fumes will trigger asthma attacks, especially if individuals work in farming, construction, or hairdressing industries. 
• Obesity: Obesity causes severe asthma symptoms, and the risk of recurrent asthma attacks increases. 
• Smoking: Smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke lead to airway irritation, trigger asthma attacks, and make it difficult to control the disease. 

Complications

If not properly treated, asthma attacks lead to several serious complications, such as: 

• Respiratory Failure: The airways close completely and block the airways to the lungs in severe asthma attacks. It causes acute respiratory failure that requires emergency medical treatment.
• Chronic Inflammation: Chronic asthma attacks result in chronic inflammation and remodeling of the airways. They increase the susceptibility to permanent damage.
• Pneumonia: Repeated asthma attacks gradually weaken the patient’s immune system. It increases susceptibility to developing respiratory infections like pneumonia.
• Mental Health Issues: Living with chronic asthma leads to depression, anxiety, or stress-related disorders, particularly if asthma attacks are frequent or unpredictable.
• Collapsed Lung: A severe asthma attack can cause a lung to collapse, called pneumothorax. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. 

Prevention

Prevention of asthma attacks requires control of triggers and maintenance of a routine asthma management scheme, including the following: 

• Use of Preventive Inhaler: Regular use of a preventive inhaler reduces airway inflammation, preventing the onset of an asthma attack.
• Avoid Allergens: Avoid allergens like pollen, pet dander, mold, and dust mites to reduce the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.
• Stay Active: In some individuals, exercise triggers asthma attacks. By maintaining an active lifestyle with proper precautions and medications, you can improve overall lung function.
• Manage Stress: Use stress-reducing techniques such as meditation or breathing. It assists in reducing asthma attacks resulting from anxiety or emotional stress. 
• Monitor Air Quality: Keep track of the pollution level and stay indoors when air quality is poor. It prevents asthma attacks due to irritants.

At FitwellHub we provide asthma management programs to help you avoid asthma attacks and live a healthy life. Visit our help page for more information.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing asthma involves several tests to evaluate lung function and identify triggers:

Diagnostic Test	Description
Spirometry	Measures how much air you can exhale after a deep breath and how quickly you can blow out the air. Evaluate lung function and diagnose asthma.
Peak Flow Meter	A simple device to measure how quickly air moves out of the lungs. Used at home to monitor asthma.
Allergy Testing	Skin prick tests or blood tests identify allergens causing reactions, helping in prevention strategies.
Chest X-ray	Detects other lung conditions, such as infections or structural problems, that cause asthma-like symptoms.
Methacholine Challenge Test	Methacholine is inhaled to provoke airway constriction, confirming asthma if the airways react.

At FitwellHub, we offer a complete range of diagnostic services for asthma and several other respiratory conditions. Visit our lab for more information.

Treatment

Asthma attack treatment is a combination of emergency care and long-term asthma management. It includes:

• Rescue Inhalers: Quick-relief or rescue inhalers use a short-acting bronchodilator, which works by relaxing the muscles in the airways and opening them up so that more air can enter the lungs.
• Preventive Inhalers: Long-term control medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids, help reduce inflammation and prevent asthma attacks. 
• Oral Medications: Oral medications, like leukotriene modifiers or theophylline, are used to control chronic asthma symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
• Nebulizers: Nebulizers are used to convert liquid medication into a mist that can be inhaled through a mask. They provide relief for severe asthma attacks.
• Oxygen Therapy: In case of a heavy asthma attack, supplementary oxygen therapy is used to increase the percentage of oxygen in the blood to ease symptoms.

Medications

Medications commonly used in the treatment of asthma attacks include:

• Short-Acting Bronchodilators: Bronchodilators like albuterol are used to get rapid relief by relaxing the muscles surrounding the airways. These medications help to ease breathing during an asthma attack. 
• Inhaled Corticosteroids: Inhaled corticosteroids, like fluticasone, are used for long-term asthma management. They reduce inflammation and prevent future asthma attacks.
• Oral Corticosteroids: Oral corticosteroids are used in severe cases, such as prednisone. It is used to quickly reduce airway inflammation during an asthma attack.
• Leukotriene Modifiers: Leukotriene modifiers are taken orally, such as montelukast. They prevent asthma symptoms by blocking inflammatory chemicals in the body.
• Biologics: In severe cases of asthma, biologics like omalizumab or mepolizumab are used to target the specific components of the immune system responsible for the asthma attack. 

At FitwellHub, we provide a wide range of medications to manage asthma and its symptoms. Visit our pharmacy to explore available options and consult with our experts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)