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How to React To An Asthma Attack? Things You Must Know!

An asthma attack is caused when your airways are constricted due to multiple factors. During an attack, the airways get swollen or inflamed and there is also thick mucus formation in the lungs. The muscles in the airways tighten up, which is a symptom of bronchospasm. Know more about the asthma attack facts : asthma_625x350_51462215905

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All these factors involving mucus production, inflammation and bronchospasm can lead to an asthma attack where an individual faces difficulty in breathing, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and difficulty in performing everyday activities.Other symptoms include chest tightness, difficulty in talking, extreme coughing, feeling anxious and panicking, blue fingernails or lips, etc. If the symptoms continue to increase even when you are religiously taking your medicines, it means that the asthma attack could be harmful. A lot of people have mild asthma attacks and after a few minutes or a few hours the airways open up with treatment. Severe asthma attacks are very uncommon but they require immediate medical attention and treatment. Knowing the common asthma attack facts would help people deal with them better.For a mild attack to stay under control, you can consider keeping these asthma attack facts in mind:

Don’t Panic: if you feel like you are getting an attack, first of all, don’t panic! Panicking makes the condition worse. Sit down in one place and try to take deep breaths.
Use an Inhaler: Make sure you have your inhaler wherever you go. Use your inhaler with a minimum gap of 2-minutes. In case, you have a nebulizer, it is suggested that you use this instead of an inhaler. If the symptoms persist or worsen, you need to get medical attention.
Peak Flowmeter: If it is feasible, you can use a peak flow meter to check the intensity of the attack. The peak flow meter can assist in determining how mild or bad the attack is.
Follow-up with a doctor: Make it a point that your doctor and your family know about your attack history, even if it is a mild attack. The doctors can make a note of it in your asthma action plan and also determine if you need further medical attention or if the dosage of your medication has to be changed.

Asthma triggers are difficult to avoid completely but try and keep away from dust, molds, cockroaches, etc and protect yourself from pollen. Rush to an emergency department if you feel that your inhaler is not helping or if your breathing is getting worse along with you feeling drowsy and if your peak flow is getting worse after a treatment. Severe asthma attacks if not treated properly can be fatal. Visit a doctor at least once in 6-months to get a comprehensive exam and do get your children tested. Make sure you have prior knowledge about your body’s asthma care and be prepared to prevent asthma attacks at any time.Read More: Asthma Treatment – What You Need to KnowDisclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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Chronic Lung Disorders You Need To Be Aware Of!

The Chronic Lung Disorders play a critical role in the body, extracting oxygen from inhaled air for distribution via the bloodstream to every cell in the body. Conversely, during exhalation the lungs expel waste — carbon dioxide produced when cells use oxygen. main_promo_img

When lungs become diseased, they no longer can maintain the necessary exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide. Respiratory diseases are major contributors to mortality, disability, and medical cost.A number of diseases and conditions can cause lungs to become so dysfunctional that one or both of them may need to be replaced through transplantation. These can include:

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

COPD is an umbrella term used to describe progressive lung diseases including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, refractory (non-reversible) asthma, and some forms of bronchiectasis. This disease is characterized by increasing breathlessness.Causes: Most cases of COPD are caused by inhaling pollutants; that includes smoking (cigarettes, pipes, cigars, etc.), and second-hand smoke. Fumes, chemicals, and dust found in many work environments are contributing factors for many individuals who develop COPD. Genetics can also play a role in an individual’s development of COPD-even if the person has never smoked or has ever been exposed to strong lung irritants in the workplace.

Pulmonary Fibrosis

Pulmonary fibrosis occurs when lung tissue becomes damaged and scarred. This thickened, stiff tissue makes it more difficult for the lungs to work properly. As pulmonary fibrosis worsens, a person becomes progressively short of breath.Causes: The list of substances and conditions that can lead to pulmonary fibrosis is long. Even so, in most cases, the cause is never found. Pulmonary fibrosis with no known cause is called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.Long-term exposure to a number of toxins and pollutants can damage your lungs. Some people who receive radiation therapy for lung or breast cancer show signs of lung damage months or sometimes years after the initial treatment.

Cystic Fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-limiting inherited condition caused by a faulty gene that controls the movement of salt and water in and out of cells. This causes mucus to gather in the lungs and digestive system and creates a range of challenging symptoms. Causes: A defect in the CFTR gene causes cystic fibrosis (CF). This gene makes a protein that controls the movement of salt and water in and out of your body’s cells. In people who have CF, the gene makes a protein that doesn’t work well. This causes thick, sticky mucus and very salty sweat.Every person inherits two CFTR genes-one from each parent. Children who inherit a faulty CFTR gene from each parent will have CF. Children who inherit one faulty CFTR gene and one normal CFTR gene are “CF carriers.” CF carriers usually have no symptoms of CF and live normal lives. However, they can pass the faulty CFTR gene to their children.Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Know Why You Are Suffering From Asthma?

Asthma cannot be ignored, nor can it be taken lightly. It is a condition where there is inflammation and swelling in the airways that lead to the lungs. When asthma flares up, it may cause the airways to narrow and tighten. This makes it difficult for the air to pass through, causing difficulty in breathing. Such a situation also leads to asthma attacks or exacerbation (sudden worsening of asthma condition or COPD).To know more, read the common causes of asthma:Asthma affects people in different ways. Some people experience asthma attacks only in peak allergy season or when they experience cold air. It may happen when they exercise as well. At times it may so happen that the attacks may be severe and they must rush to a doctor.Symptoms of asthma can be mild or severe. You may experience a mild attack daily or even severe symptoms each day or you may have something in between. Also, how often you suffer from these symptoms may change. This is because when you have asthma, you may experience:

Wheeze, making a loud or soft whistling noise when you breathe in and out.
Bouts of cough.
Feel the tightness in your chest.
Feel short of breath.
Sleeplessness because of coughing or trouble in breathing.
Feeling tired easily during exercise.

Asthma symptoms can aggravate at night. Severe asthma attacks can be life-threatening and need emergency treatment.

What are the Causes of Asthma?

The causes of asthma are many; they can be intrinsic and extrinsic.

Extrinsic (external) factors include:

Allergies (allergens) are common in children and adults and are a common cause of asthma. Some examples of allergens include inhaled materials, ingested materials (e.g. foods) and materials that cause problems when they contact the skin. Most commonly, asthma attacks are triggered when one inhales the allergens.Occupational asthma is real and it occurs in 10% of asthma patients when they are exposed to gases, fumes, dusts and even vapors that are present in their place of work.Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the common causes of asthma in sensitive patients. Such a problem develops over a period due to aspirin sensitivity, asthma and nasal polyps.

Intrinsic (internal) factors include:

Commonly, problems like viral infections and respiratory infections aggravate asthma.An asthma attack can be induced during exercise and is known as EIA or exercise-induced asthma. This happens as there is an increase in respiratory rate and the depth of breathing as well as an increase in inhalation of the air present in the atmosphere. This air may be cooler than the body temperature air in the lungs. This cooler air triggers the lung receptors in patients susceptible to asthma or bronchospasm.Asthma can be genetic too. The ADAM-33 gene set is known to be associated with this health condition and is known as the asthma gene. Currently, four different asthma genes have been identified.Emotional factors and stress have been suspected to cause asthma but the data to support this is not complete.Asthma should never stop you from doing the things you want to do. It is important to work with your doctor/provider and follow your care plan, so you can enjoy the benefits of exercise without asthma symptoms.Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.