Conditions That Trigger Asthmatic Attack

Pulmonology | Posted on 08/20/2024 by Dr. Harshil Alwani

What is Asthma?

Asthma occurs when the airways become narrow, swell up and produce extra mucus. This makes breathing difficult and causes persistent coughing that usually requires an inhaler to relieve.

Generally, asthma does not cause any major problems but if a person comes in contact with things that trigger an asthmatic attack, it can be fatal or life-threatening in the worst-case scenario. 

Environmental pollution and toxins in the air are primary reasons for asthmatic attacks. People who smoke or are around people who smoke inhale the toxins passively which is more dangerous than smoking.

Several studies and renowned pulmonologists in Jaipur suggest that infants are born with asthma due to the environmental pollution from the smoke that the mother inhales during her pregnancy. People with a genetic history of asthma are also at a greater risk of developing it.

Symptoms or Warning Signs of Asthma

The inability to breathe properly is the primary sign that one might have developed asthma. Generally, the symptoms vary from person to person and the frequency of asthmatic attacks also depends on the severity of the disease.

Asthma attack symptoms include:

• Chest pain
• Heaviness in the chest
• Breathlessness
• Wheezing while exhaling
• Constant coughing
• Difficulty in breathing
• Fatigue
• Panic attack
• Asthmatic attack
• Anxiety
• Frequent lung infections
• Trouble in sleeping
• Dizziness
• Pale lips or fingernails in severe cases that require immediate medical help

Conditions That Trigger an Asthmatic Attack

People suffering from asthma can get triggered by various factors. Triggers of asthmatic attack are:

1. Air pollution is one of the most common triggering agents. It has toxins, harmful gasses, smoke, car exhaust, factory emissions, etc.
2. Molds that are present at damped places can trigger an asthmatic attack. Asthmatic patients must distance themselves from such places.
3. Dust is one of the most common triggering agents for people who have asthma or even have breathing problems.
4. Pets also cause asthmatic attacks as their scent or odour may irritate air pathways.
5. Smoke or tobacco harms the lungs, irritates the nasal passages, and can trigger asthma.

Excessive physical work or exercise uses a lot of oxygen and requires heavy blood pumping. If the lungs can't keep up, it can trigger an asthma attack. Strong chemicals or perfumes can also cause asthma attacks in some people. Therefore, it's helpful to know what triggers an asthma attack so they can be avoided.

How to Prevent Asthma Attacks?

Managing your asthma and avoiding triggers are daily actions that help prevent asthma episodes. Below are some tips that you can follow:

1. Take Medication Regularly: Use inhalers and take medications that your doctor has prescribed. This helps in reducing airway irritation and averting attacks.
2. Identify and Avoid Triggers: Dust mites, smoke, pet dander and cold air are common asthma triggers. Identify your asthma triggers and try to limit your exposure to them.
3. Keep Your House Clean: To lessen allergens and dust mites, clean your house frequently. To eliminate allergies, wash bedding in hot water and use air purifiers.
4. Watch Your Breathing: To test how well your lungs are functioning, use a peak flow meter. You can use this to identify the early warning signs of an asthma attack.
5. Maintain Your Health: Vaccinate against pneumonia and the flu, as these diseases can exacerbate asthma. Eat a balanced diet, do regular exercise and avoid smoking.
6. Make an Action Plan: Develop an asthma action plan with the help of your doctor. You can follow this plan to know what to do if your symptoms get worse.

You may live a healthier life and lessen your chance of having asthma attacks by following these tips.

FAQ

What causes asthma attacks?

Exposure to triggers such as allergens, pollution, cold air, heavy exercise, tobacco, or respiratory illnesses can result in asthma attacks.

What to do for an asthma attack without an inhaler?

Stay calm, sit upright, take slow breaths, and drink warm fluids. If your symptoms get worse, get immediate medical help.

How to prevent asthma attacks?

Take your prescribed medicine, stay away from allergens, maintain a clean atmosphere, and routinely check your breathing to prevent asthma attacks.