Symptoms of an Asthma Attack: What to Do in an Emergency?

The Symptoms of an Asthma Attack depend on the severity of the asthma attack. The guiding symptom is the increased dyspnoea, which manifests itself as heavy, wheezing breathing. Typically, the patient sits upright and supports both hands in an order to use the respiratory aid muscles. In the deep respiratory movements Recoveries of the abdomen, the jugulum and the intercostal spaces are observed. In the case of exhaustion of the patient, it may come to the so-called Respiratory Alternans

definition. Other symptoms include:

•      Cyanosis

•         Agitation

•        Anxiety

•       Confusion

·    In children, itch in the neck or thorax can occur as a sign of asthma attack.

What to do in an Emergency for Asthma attack

Every asthmatic should be well prepared for an acute asthma attack. In such an extreme situation it is important that the person concerned - but also his environment - knows what to do. Parents of children with asthma should inform unconditionally connected persons, other parents or contact persons in the school about the correct measures in case of an emergency.

In addition, asthma patients should necessarily recognize the first signs of an asthma attack, because usually, he announces himself in advance. Then you have to act fast.

Within a few minutes, an initially asthmatic feeling of tightness in the chest can develop into an acute asthma attack. Not every patient has such emergency situations, but those affected should know what to do next. Ask your doctor to set up an individual emergency plan with you.

If a child under 12 years has an asthma attack with severe shortness of breath, the emergency doctor must be called immediately. The note "acute respiratory distress" is important and helpful for the emergency team and should, therefore, be given as part of the call.

When does the Risk of an Asthma Attack Increase?

An asthma attack usually does not come from "clear sky". He usually announces himself - so who knows the signs that point to an imminent asthma attack, can counteract faster. The device used by asthma patients to regularly test their lung function is not only important in the context of therapy adjustment but can also be used as an early warning system: If the measured lung function values, or more precisely the so-called peak flow value, decrease over several days, they improve The values inadequate after application of a bronchodilator drug Reliever or if they fluctuate abnormally, an attack may be imminent. In addition, a cold or a cold increases the risk of breathing difficulties within a few days. Other warnings include e.g. also nocturnal cough, disturbed sleep, and reduced general well-being as well as difficulty breathing during sports, such as rattling, tightness or pain in the chest area. If such warnings occur, it is necessary to initiate or intensify the therapy after consulting the doctor.

 How do you Recognize an Acute Attack?

The acute attack is accompanied by typical signs: breathing is faster and accompanied by typical noises (wheezing, whistling, rattling). The effect of an immediate-effect broncho dilating spray (beta-mimetic) lasts less than two to four hours. The person is often anxious and avoids physical stress. His muscles between and under the ribs can be retracted and the ribcage over-inflated. In this case, the therapy should be intensified and a doctor should be consulted.

If the signs are more pronounced, seek medical advice immediately. This applies, for example, when there are clear difficulties in exhaling and the person concerned is too short of breath to walk or speak. Also, a fast, strained breathing, a strongly raised chest, a clearly accelerated heartbeat, anxiety and a bluish lip color indicate the seriousness of the situation.

If the symptoms continue to increase, there is an emergency in which the person has to go to the hospital as soon as possible. Typically, then the rib cage strongly bloated or barely mobile, the lips or fingers dyed blue and the blood vessels in the neck area heavily filled.

Asthma attack - what to Do?

In order to be able to act properly and quickly in a crisis, it makes sense to discuss such situations in advance with the attending physician. In addition, one should have the address and telephone number of the physician or of special consultation hours to clinics at hand. Also, ask for contacts who can call you in the event of an emergency, even on weekends or public holidays.

If an acute attack occurs, the first remedy is a bronchodilator drug with immediate effect for inhalation (beta-mimetic). In addition, a controlled breathing technique - e.g. "Lips Brake" and "Coach Seat" - used to reduce respiratory distress. If there is an improvement after these measures, the therapy can be continued as usual. At the same time, the doctor should at least be informed by phone about the seizure.

If the beta-mimetic and the breathing technique do not respond quickly, inhalation may need to be continued and a cortisone tablet may be taken. In addition, a doctor or clinic must be consulted immediately.

Read Also: Symptoms of Asthma

The following recommendations for emergencies are given in the "Patient Guideline Asthma":

•     Keep Calm

• Use breathing techniques: Apply lip brake and breath-relieving posture (eg, coach seat, wall position)

•  Two to four strokes of the required medication (depending on the severity of the asthma attack, repeat if necessary)

•  Take cortisone tablet according to individual emergency plan

•  Call the emergency doctor, following information given: child or adult, "acute respiratory distress"

• Affected person must be transported while sitting