Asthma Attack symptoms and Causes

---

• Coughing: Coughing from asthma is often very bad at night or early morning. Sometimes it is your or your child's only symptom. It can be dry or mucus filled. 

• Wheezing: This is a whistling sound especially when you breathe out. Sometimes wheezing can be heard easily; other times you may need a stethoscope. A stethoscope is a medical device used to listen to breath sounds.

• Chest tightness: This can feel like something is squeezing/pressing or sitting on your chest. 

• Shortness of breath: You may feel breathless, like you can’t catch your breath or breathe deeply enough. You may feel as though you are out of shape and constantly tired. 

It is very important to understand what triggers your asthma symptoms.  Asthma is not a one-size-fits-all illness – what triggers symptoms for you or someone in your family may be very different from what affects others. When you become aware of what is happening inside your lungs and how they respond to allergens and irritants like pollen, dust mites, or smoke, you can take measures to prevent or minimize symptoms.  

Yes, humidity in the air around can affect patients with asthma. Humidity consists moisture that makes the air heavier and denser, making it much harder for people with asthma to breathe. Humidity can also activate sensory nerve fibers in the airways, causing them to narrow down in size. This can result in coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Humidity also makes the air to be stagnant. This creates an environment where air pollutants and allergens such as pollen and mold linger and float in the air longer — and potentially lead to an asthma flare.  

How to manage your asthma condition when outdoor humidity is high :

• Don not go outside on hot, humid days. Use dehumidifiers at home, options are available here
• If you should go outside, consider going in the late in afternoon or early evening when It is usually less humid.  
• Check pollen counts and air quality of ambient atmosphere before you go. Can use Air quality monitors available here
• Make sure you carry a quick-relief inhaler and a water bottle for hydration.

How to manage your asthma when indoor humidity is high :

• Aim for  in between 35% and 50% household room humidity. Too much humidity in room makes your home a playground for mold and dust mites.
• Keep bacteria and mold in control by installing a dehumidifier and cleaning it regularly.    

What's the monsoon allergy outlook where you live? Would sudden temperature changes trigger an asthma flare? Weather can play a key role in asthma and allergy symptoms and flu transmission.  

“Am I having an asthma attack?”, you can usually convey by looking at your body’s reaction. The following are some commonest warning signs of an impending asthma attack:  

• The throat becomes itchy. This may lead you to cough more than usual. You might also notice a runny nose. 
• Breathing gets more difficult – this means that there is lesser air getting into your lungs making it much harder for you to breathe. You might have to use your stomach muscles to help you breathe and you might hear a whistling sound or wheeze when you take breaths. 
• You might then develop tightness or pain in your chest, in addition to a cough and wheeze. These are all signs indication it is an asthma attack. 

If your asthma problems are worsening you might be having an asthma attack, also known as an asthma flare, asthma exacerbation, or asthma episode. Any of these symptoms indicate the need for immediate medical treatment; follow your Asthma Action Plan.  CONTACT your doctor immediately if not sure.  

Asthma attacks are caused by swelling and airway inflammation and mucus in the airways. These attacks are normally affected by external factors. Common triggers that may lead to an asthma attack include:  

• Indoor allergens: mold, pet dander, dust mites, cockroaches 
• Outdoor allergens: pollen, mold 
• Irritants: tobacco smoke, diesel exhaust, air pollution 
• Respiratory infections: colds, flu, sinus infections, COVID-19 
• Stress 
• Strong smells 
• Strong emotions such as laughing or crying 
• Hormonal changes 

Any person diagnosed with asthma should consult with their doctor to develop an Asthma Action Plan.  These plans describe everyday treatment. according to which zone you are in based on your peak flow meter. An Asthma Action Plan describes: 

• how to manage your asthma daily 
• how to control situations such as exercise or when you have a cold or viral infection.
• what to do when symptoms worsen, like when you are having an asthma attack.