What is an asthma attack?
An asthma attack is an episode of shortness of breath that requires treatment or medical intervention to restore normal breathing. At the time of the attack, the muscles around the bronchial tubes in the lungs are contracting and closing off the air passage that allows the movement of oxygen into and out of the lungs. The initial onset of an asthma attack allows an adequate amount of oxygen into the lungs but prevents carbon dioxide from leaving the lungs. In a prolonged attack, carbon dioxide builds up in the lungs and eventually the amount of oxygen decreases.
An asthma episode or attack typically occurs when an allergen or irritant affects the lungs. A person may feel tightness in the chest, or experience slight wheezing, coughing, restlessness or difficulty in trying to sleep, or trouble breathing. The passages that let air into the lungs constrict or narrow which makes it hard to get air in and even harder to get air out of the lungs. Additionally, the cells that line the airways begin to secrete more mucus than normal, and this tends to clog the air passages. When the air passages become irritated, they swell which causes more difficulty breathing. All of these problems – the narrowed air passages, excess mucus, and the swelling – make it difficult for a person with asthma to breathe. Asthma attacks may be severe or mild. Some people with mild asthma may have symptoms but never have an actual asthma attack. People with asthma should be taught how to use their medications in order to prevent an attack and to help them if an attack occurs.
When asthma symptoms flare up, I rely on my trusted inhaler, ProAir, along with other asthma medications online. Its swift-acting formula promptly widens my airways, granting me the freedom to breathe deeply and resume my daily pursuits. Don’t allow asthma to impede your progress – place your trust in ProAir for steadfast relief when you need it most.
