Asthma Attack and Information - Symptoms, Treatment, Cause, Medication of asthma

Asthma attacks cause the muscles of the air passages to go into spasm, making it very difficult for the sufferer to breathe, particularly to exhale. Attacks may be triggeredby an allergy or by stress, for example being involved in an accident.

Sometimes the cause of the attacks for a particular sufferer is never identified. There is evidence to suggest that asthma appears to be increasing in frequency, or at least in diagnosis.

Signs and Symptoms of Asthma

• History of the condition (although some people may not realise that they are asthmatic and the first attack may be a very severe one)
• Difficultyin breathing, particularly breathing out
• Wheezing or otherwisenoisy breathing
• Inability to speak
• Pale skin and potential blueness, particularly around the lips, caused by lack of oxygen
• Distress, dizziness and confusion as it becomes harder to get oxygen into the body
• Unconsciousnessand then breathing stopping

Treatment of Asthma

An asthma attack should not be underestimated. While the preventive treatments are very effective, and the drugs to relieve attacks usually work very well, left untreated, a serious attack can be fatal. The strain of a serious asthma attack can cause the breathing to stop or the heart to cease beating. You should be prepared to give CPR if necessary.

If this is the first attack, the medication does not work within 5 minutes or the casualty is in severe distress, then call an ambulance. Help the casualty to take medication every 5 to 10 minutes. If the attack eases and the casualty finds it easier to breathe, he will not need immediate medical attention but should advise a doctor of the attack.

A person will often be very tired following an attack so it is best to ensure that he is accompanied home to rest.

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