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For those that suffer from asthma, having an attack can be a frightening experience. It is important to recognise that you are having an asthma attack. If an attack is not detected or treated in the right way, it can prove to be serious and in rare cases fatal. Learning what to do during an attack is therefore essential when coping with the condition and preventing further distress. Hence you know if you are having a asthma attack if:
Should your symptoms improve and you feel that a hospital visit or emergency medical treatment is not required, it is still advised that you see a doctor as soon as possible.
In most instances when having an attack, using your reliever inhaler will be enough to effectively manage and relieve your symptoms. However, sometimes these symptoms are more serious. Should this be the case, urgent action is needed and you should contact the emergency services or a doctor or nurse immediately.
Understanding what happens in your body during an asthma attack may help you understand how important it is to monitor the condition by seeing your doctor and taking the relevant treatments. During the occurrence of an attack, three primary changes take place in your lungs:
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Consequently, the passage of the lungs narrow, making it more difficult for the air to pass through and therefore more difficult to breathe. Classic asthmatic symptoms during an attack, ranging from mild to severe, are: wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and a chronic cough.
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