Severe asthma presents as a severe or unstable attack of asthma caused by sudden exposure to dust, fumes, infections, viral fever, or triggers.
Asthma is a chronic disease characterized by attacks of breathlessness and tightness in the chest. This is a medium to small size airway disease in which the airways are constricted. So the air passage becomes less and the patient becomes extremely breathless.
There are two types of asthma: childhood asthma and chronic stable asthma. Childhood asthma often progresses to adult asthma. About 30% of this childhood asthma progresses to adult asthma. Adult asthma is also sometimes sporadic; it comes from time to time or is seasonal, or it can come due to extreme irritation due to fumes or dust like sudden exposure or perfumes.
In chronic stable asthma, the patient takes a certain number of medications or inhalers once or twice a day. Severe asthma presents as a severe or unstable attack of asthma caused by sudden exposure to dust, fumes, infections, viral fever, or triggers such as inhalation of fumes, change in weather, etc.
So this can cause a lot of problems, and that’s why they’re called asthma exacerbations. When these exacerbations of stable asthma occur, the patient should receive emergency treatment.
4 Symptoms of Acute Asthma
Now, what are the signs that a patient was fine until they suddenly had some exposure or precipitating factors, such as severe laughter or severe exposure to smoke, dust fumes, or sudden severe heartburn?
- wheezing
- dyspnoea
- Viral infection
- Pneumonia
In hospitals, the patient receives treatment with oxygen, intravenous antibiotics, intravenous medications, and a powerful steroid to control asthma. Very few of these patients may require artificial ventilation or intubation, which we call “assisted ventilation.” When such things occur, if the patient takes proper care, such exacerbations are not very common.
Sometimes viral fever can cause severe asthma exacerbations. This is a condition where by taking proper precautions, such as avoiding dust fumes and not putting perfume or DEO body spray directly on the body, one could avoid episodes of asthma attacks.
How to prevent it?
Sudden exposure to smoke should be avoided. Going to too many crowded places or doing sudden unusual exercise or the sudden onset of exercise can precipitate asthma. There are many asthmatics who are athletes. There are many asthmatics who have broken world records. So asthma is not a disease. It is a kind of symptom that the person has to control. Don’t be afraid of asthma. Just take care of yourself and avoid triggers, and you’ll be safe.
(With input from Dr. Amir Khoja, MD, Thoracic Physician, Interventional Pulmonologist, Chest and Allergy Specialist, Ruby Hall Clinic.)
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