Monday, December 17, 2007

Causes, Symptoms and the Treatment for Asthma Attack


Asthma affects more than a million people. This chronic disease is a hassle especially when it restricts you from physical activities you may otherwise enjoy. That is why, to get more out of their life, asthma sufferers want to find a good treatment for asthma attack that will reduce attacks once and for all.

Asthma affects a person's respiratory system by inflaming the lungs' air passages, called bronchioles. When an irritant like pollen or smoke triggers an attack, the muscles in the bronchioles constrict and become narrower; sometimes the lining of the airways develop a build-up of mucous and phlegm – leaving not much room for oxygen to get into the lungs. This makes it difficult to breath as well as triggers the other asthma symptoms.

Knowing the symptoms of asthma is the initial step in treatment. For asthma attack to happen, these signs usually occur:

1.Wheezing- a whistling sound when ever you breath out. This is almost always present at the start of an attack after which heavy breathing follows.

2.Shortness of breath- the most distressing part of having an asthma attack. Some patients don't even know that they're having shortness of breath so they overlook the need for immediate bronchial asthma remedy, putting themselves in a serious, life-threatening situation.

3.Coughing- another very distressing symptom that usually occurs at night time, early morning or during exercise.

4.Chest tightness- even without the other symptoms, this immediately indicates an attack and immediate treatment for asthma attack should be applied.

5.Tightening of neck muscles- makes it almost impossible to talk.

6.Chest pains- though not indicative of how severe the attack really is, this is a usual symptom evident in almost three-fourths of asthma patients.

7.Rapid heart rate and sweating .

Not all asthma sufferers experience all the symptoms. But it is important to watch out for signs of an attack to immediately apply bronchial asthma remedy. Delaying treatment for asthma attack can lead to a more serious problem. Your chest will continue to tighten as less and less oxygen is going into your lungs. Eventually, you may not be able to speak and will turn a bluish color – indicating the lack of oxygen. Without aggressive treatment, you can end up dead.

Treatment for asthma attack does not get rid of the disease but only provides management for possible attacks. Asthma attack treatments are usually in oral or vapor form. Some are required to be taken for a long-time like inhaled steroids, leukotriene inhibitors and long-acting bronchodilators; while some are prescribed to be used during moments of asthma attacks. These include short-acting bronchodilators and oral or injectable corticosteroids which are for controlling severe attacks.

When experiencing an asthma attack, natural treatment also works well for some people. An old Indian practice, Ayuverda, uses herbs like sage, garlic, turmeric and figs – to name a few – to offer relief during an asthma attack. Natural treatment may also include the practice of meditation through yoga, hypnotism, massage, acupuncture, chiropractic treatment – and as always – a healthy lifestyle with proper diet and exercise.

Eat foods rich in antioxidants, Vitamins C and E and lower the consumption of sugar and dairy food. The role of probiotics in the treatment for asthma attack was also realized by researchers. It was found out that consuming these good bacteria can reduce inflammation.

In cases of asthma attack, it is always important to have a working asthma management plan. This may only be possible by keeping yourself informed about the symptoms and proper treatment for asthma. It is also always wise to consult a doctor first before trying any treatment.