Ask the doctor: Asthma

Posted on 28 February 2008

Summary

• Asthma is a serious respiratory condition that causes narrowing of the airways.
• Symptoms of an asthma attack include wheezing and shortness of breath.
• Get help immediately if medication does not bring relief during an episode.
• First aid focuses on helping the person take his medication, and keeping him calm.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a serious condition that affects the airways. It usually occurs in episodes, called “attacks”, during which the airways to the lungs narrow, making it hard to breathe. Asthma attacks are seldom fatal with prompt, correct treatment.

People who suffer from asthma generally carry medications such as bronchodilators (asthma pump) with them in the event of an attack, which work by relaxing the constricted muscles so that the airways can open and ease breathing difficulty.

What are the symptoms of asthma attack?

These may include:

• Shortness of breath or panting, especially after physical exertion
• Rapid, loud or uneven breathing
• Wheezing, or a whistling sound when exhaling
• Breathing problems makes talking difficult
• Tight or sore chest
• Spaces between the ribs become visible when inhaling
• Hunching over
• Sweating
• Paleness
• Vomiting
• Coughing
• Nostrils flaring
• Throat-clearing
• Anxiety
• Fatigue

Get help immediately if:

• Someone is struggling to breathe or is unusually short of breath.
• A person is asthmatic and his or her medication doesn’t bring relief.
• The person has difficulty walking or talking.
• Fingernails and lips turn bluish-gray.

First aid for asthma

Help the person find and take his medication quickly. Talk to him in a calm, reassuring manner, and encourage him to rest and sit quietly until help arrives.

 

The information provided in this article was correct at the time of publishing. At Mediclinic we endeavour to provide our patients and readers with accurate and reliable information, which is why we continually review and update our content. However, due to the dynamic nature of clinical information and medicine, some information may from time to time become outdated prior to revision.