Asthma is a scary disease. You can live your whole life and only experience mild complications, or you can live everyday with the fear that you are going to die. These are two extremes on the spectrum, but they are true of most cases of asthma.
Asthma attacks can be life-threatening and even fatal. Knowing the warning signs can help you recognize the impending attack, and allow the time to take the proper precautions and/or medications.
How to Recognize an Asthma Attack
Asthma is a very deceptive disease. Wheezing, trouble breathing, and coughing can usually be attributed to external influences (i.e. smoke, or exercise). But in the case of an asthma sufferer, they might be experiencing the early stages of an asthma attack.
Severe wheezing by itself doesn't have to mean an asthma attack, but when this wheezing is heard and felt while inhaling and exhaling, you might be experiencing an asthma attack. This wheezing isn't just heard, it can be felt when you place your hand on your chest.
If you are experiencing a persistent cough that is accompanied by any other asthma attack symptom, you may be experiencing an asthma attack. Keep in mind that while coughing by itself isn't a symptom, coughing that cannot be controlled or stopped is a good indication that you are having an asthma attack.
Chest pain or pressure is another asthma attack symptom that can be confused with another problem: heart attack. If you are experiencing pain and pressure in your chest, but do not feel that pain radiating to your left shoulder and arm, it is probably an asthma attack. This chest pain is caused by your body's attempt to forcibly draw in air. It can also be caused by your lungs and bronchial tubes constricting.
These are some of the major asthma attack symptoms to be aware of. If you are experiencing one or more of the above asthma attack symptoms; stop what you are doing, administer your medication, find some help, and try to relax. Taking your medicine is very important to your recovery and survival.
If you find that your medication isn't helping, or that you asthma attack symptoms are getting worse, have someone call 911. Don't take chances; calling someone can save your life. Now that you are aware of the 3 main asthma attack symptoms, you know what to look for, and knowing is half the battle!
