What does an asthma attack feel like?

Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the bronchi which is developed when exposed to allergens entering the body from the surrounding air. Asthmatics have very sensitive respiratory tracts. An attack can happen due to any irritating factor. Most often asthma attacks are caused by house dust mites, pet hairs, plants pollen and spores of mold fungi. Bronchi blood vessels get narrow quickly, a strong spasm arises in the throat or trachea, which does not allow a person to inhale. Therefore, patients with bronchial asthma should minimize contact with these allergens.

Often asthma attacks occur at night, and they can be different in severity. There can be a rapid development of an attack, or it can develop gradually in a few hours. Sometimes, an attack can disappear without using any special measures. Sometimes hospitalization is required because of the threat to life.

Even in mild cases, one should not treat the attack lightly, and it is always necessary to keep in mind a clear plan of action.
Symptoms of asthma are coughing, wheezing in the bronchi; feeling of heaviness in the airways; feeling of lack of oxygen; trembling, sweating; asphyxia; a sense of fear, sometimes confusion; active involvement of abdominal muscles in breathing.

In order not to provoke an attack of asthma, one should not lose vigilance. It is especially important for the inhabitants of megacities, who constantly inhale the “products of life” of the big city – exhaust gases. Many asthmatics have nonspecific response of the bronchi – that is, spasm, shortness of breath in response to non-allergenic stimuli: a sharp change in temperature, sharp odors, physical activity, and stress.

Contrary to prevailing stereotypes, sports activities with bronchial asthma are not just allowed, but also very useful! Swimming in the pool, athletics, cycling – all this contributes to the development of respiratory muscles. Do it at least twice a week.
The formula for the prevention of asthma attacks: “The right way of life plus adequate drug therapy.”
In case of mild illness a special permanent treatment is not required; it is enough, when necessary, to use bronchodilators and an inhalator.

In case of moderate to severe asthma the drugs are used which are intended not only to dilate the bronchi but also to produce an anti-inflammatory effect, since the core reason of the development of asthma attacks there is always an allergic inflammation. These drugs should be used regularly and for a long time, sometimes for years, but they help to achieve complete control over the symptoms of the disease and make attacks cases as rare as possible. Usually hormonal inhalers are prescribed as a regular therapy.