Asthma is a condition in which the airways supplying air to the lungs narrow, swell, and may begin to produce excess mucus. When you breathe in irritants like pollen, dust, dry air, pet dander, or smoke, the airways swell even more and the muscles around them tighten. This can make breathing difficult and can lead to asthma attacks. The condition is irreversible and can only be controlled through treatment.
Dr Rommel Tickoo, director of internal medicine at Max Hospitals-Saket, Delhi, said that minor asthma attacks can be easily managed at home with the help of nebulizers and inhalers. Only people suffering from severe asthma attacks require hospitalization.
He adds that “episodes of severe asthma attacks are more common in people who have chest problems, chronic asthma, chronic bronchitis, COPD and smokers. Others may experience it 1-2 times a year, when also they come into contact with irritation.”
In order to act quickly in such a situation, you need to be familiar with what an asthma attack looks like. Here are 6 common symptoms of an asthma attack.
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