Am I Having An Asthma Attack?

Asthma attacks may last only a few mintues, or they may in fact last for days. Whilst for some the worst that happens is a cough, or long term shortness of breath with periods of more frequent shortness of breath, for others there are more serious attacks that can lead to hospitalization.

Asthma is an inflammatory disease. So, the lining of the respiratory tract becomes inflamed, and the muscles along there also constrict. This reduces the ability of air to travel to the lungs, making breathing difficult.  

Symptoms of an asthma attack include wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing, and a feeling of tightness in the chest.

In a serious asthma flare-up, even fast acting asthma medication won't help. Symptoms continue to get worse, and you feel breathless even when you are sitting still. In this case, it's best to go to an emergancy ward in hospital.

Make sure that you always have an inhaler with you wherever you go. You will want to ensure that you're taking the necessary steps that are needed to keep yourself safe from any flare-ups.  If you do find that you are in danger of having a severe attack, o make sure that you seek medical treatment at once. 

You should let others around you know that you have asthma.  You should tell your friends and family members as well as any co-workers.  This will allow them to understand what you need if you suddenly start to have an asthma attack. They will be able to help you and get you the treatment that you need. You should also make sure that you carry any other medication that you need with you at all times. 

Need more detailed information about asthma? Click here to discover the two most common categories of asthma, and how that impacts on the way asthma is treated.