What’s an asthma attack?

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Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition in which inflammatory constriction of the airways reduces airflow to the lungs, causing shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing. An asthma attack is a physiological process that occurs when a person with asthma comes into contact with a trigger substance. During an asthma attack, a chain of events is triggered that leads to constriction of the airways and difficulty breathing. People with asthma typically use medications to reduce the frequency and severity of attacks and use additional medications during attacks to keep the airways from dangerously narrowing.

Globally, asthma is the most common chronic disease of childhood. It is a chronic disease common to all age groups. An estimated 2% to 10 percent of the population is affected in industrialized nations. Worldwide, approximately 300 million people have the disease.

Several cell types of the immune system, including mast cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and eosinophils, play a role in the pathophysiology of asthma. These cells are involved in mediating acute and chronic inflammatory reactions and are central to the development of asthma and the inflammation that occurs during an asthma attack. Many substances can trigger an attack, including dust, pollen, mold, smoke, pet dander, animal dander, and chemical fumes.

When someone with asthma comes into contact with a trigger substance, their immune system is activated to trigger a reaction that is virtually immediate. This reaction is an asthma attack, during which the immune reaction to the trigger substance causes the airways to swell and narrow. Different types of immune cells secrete pro-inflammatory substances and the muscles in the airways begin to contract strongly, causing more constriction. At the same time, cells in the airways begin producing excess mucus, which further narrows the airways and causes congestion. All of these events serve to narrow and congest the airways and make breathing difficult.

The goals of asthma treatment are to reduce the frequency of attacks and to reduce the severity of attacks that occur. This is achieved with drugs such as anti-inflammatories and bronchodilators. Anti-inflammatory drugs help reduce chronic asthma symptoms, such as coughing and wheezing, by reducing inflammation. During an asthma attack, bronchodilators are used to widen the airways and make breathing easier.

Many people with asthma find that attacks are more frequent in the morning or evening. Also, a person with asthma is at greater risk of an attack if they have a respiratory infection. The frequency of attacks can be reduced by avoiding known triggers. In particular, avoiding cigarette smoke is an important preventative measure for children with asthma.

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