Dyspnoea in bronchial asthma results from the rapid narrowing of the small bronchi and bronchioles due to contraction of the muscular layer and swelling of the bronchial mucosa. At first, there is a deepening feeling of lack of air and anxiety. Over time, breathing becomes more and more difficult, especially in the expiratory phase.
The course of dyspnea in bronchial asthma
The breathlessness of asthma begins with a worsening feeling of lack of air and anxiety, usually at night or in the morning. The patient assumes a sitting or standing position and usually rests his hands on an object, eg a bed, table, window sill, etc. Sometimes the patient runs to the window and opens it wide. Breathing gradually becomes more and more difficult, especially in the expiratory phase.
In emergency home proceedings:
- provide the patient with as much fresh air as possible,
- unbutton the clothing that compresses the chest,
- calm the patient,
- make it easier for the patient to assume the position that is most convenient for him.
Asthma is a chronic disease with attacks of breathlessness from time to time. Patients usually have various measures at home to relieve and stop seizures.
There are several causes of bronchoconstriction during an asthma attack:
- swelling of the mucosa (as a result of infiltration of inflammatory cells and excessive movement of fluid from the blood vessels);
- a large amount of mucous content in the lumen of the bronchi,
- bronchial smooth muscle contraction (the tightening of the muscles in the bronchial wall leads to a decrease in its lumen).
Asthma attacks are caused by contraction of the bronchial muscles.
Management of dyspnoea in bronchial asthma
In addition to the above-mentioned home recommendations, the patient should be given one of the medications prescribed by doctors or the recommended inhalation. Of course, only those measures that have already been prescribed to the patient should be used with good results.
In the treatment of severe dyspnoea, bronchodilators are helpful, most often these are quick-acting ß2-agonists. Their purpose is to relax the smooth muscles of the bronchi, thanks to which it is possible to widen them and at the same time to facilitate the flow of air with the reduction of shortness of breath. This type of treatment is not indicated for short-term attacks of breathlessness, e.g. after exercise. Bronchodilators do not affect the causes of dyspnea, such as increased mucus secretion or swelling of the walls. On the other hand, in patients with acute asthma, medications influencing inflammation in the bronchi are used.
These drugs relax the bronchial smooth muscles, making them widen and facilitating air flow and reducing breathlessness. For short-term attacks of breathlessness (e.g. after exercise, after exposure to strong odors, under stress) this treatment is not sufficient. In the case of asthma exacerbations, it is therefore necessary to use a drug that affects the inflammatory process in the bronchi.
In a situation where the above-described action does not affect the termination or at least a significant reduction in the severity of the seizure or the shortness of breath increases – prompt medical intervention is required.
WARNING! One should warn against mindless abuse of diastolic preparations, as it is harmful and dangerous to the patient’s health.