Golden Box Book Publishing Asthma Relief with Grandmas Remedies | Page 13

Acute asthma attack
An acute asthma exacerbation is commonly referred to as an asthma
attack. The classic symptoms are shortness of breath, wheezing, and
chest tightness. While these are the primary symptoms of asthma,
some people present primarily with coughing.
Signs that occur during an asthma attack include having to breathe
through the use of accessory muscles of the neck, or there may be a
paradoxical pulse (a pulse that is weaker during inhalation and
stronger during exhalation), and over-inflation of the lungs. A blue
color of the skin and nails may occur from lack of oxygen.
Status asthmaticus
Status asthmaticus is an acute exacerbation of asthma that does not
respond to standard treatments of bronchodilators and steroids.
Asthma exacerbation
Some individuals will have stable asthma for weeks or months and
then suddenly develop an episode of acute asthma. Different
individuals react differently to various factors. However, most
individuals can develop severe exacerbation of asthma from several
triggering agents.
Home factors that can lead to exacerbation include dust, house mites,
animal dander (especially cat and dog hair), cockroach allergens, and
molds at any given home. Perfumes are a common cause of acute
attacks in females and children. Both virus and bacterial infections of
the upper respiratory tract can worsen asthma.
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