Acute Severe Asthma

What is Acute Severe Asthma?

Acute Severe Asthma (A.S.A.) is an episode of asthma resulting in extreme difficulty breathing or exercise-induced asthma attack that requires immediate medical intervention. It often requires an emergency room visit. A.S.A involves breathing hard, coughing, and wheezing. There can be rapid breathing, difficulty speaking, and the feeling of tightness in the chest.

What Causes Acute Severe Asthma?

A.S.A can be caused by exposure to allergens, pollutants or environmental irritants, physical activity, certain medications, and infections. Other factors that can contribute to A.S.A. attacks include stress, hormone changes, and cold weather.

What are the Symptoms of Acute Severe Asthma?

The most common symptoms of A.S.A are:

• Wheezing
• Tightness in the chest
• Coughing
• Rapid breathing
• Trouble speaking
• Shortness of breath
• Increase in mucus production
• Whistling or whistling sounds when breathing
• Difficulty with physical activity

How is Acute Severe Asthma Treated?

Treatment of A.S.A is usually aimed at relieving symptoms and restoring normal breathing. It typically involves a combination of medications to help open airways and reduce inflammation. These include short-acting bronchodilators, such as albuterol and levalbuterol, and corticosteroids. Long-term medications are also used to control asthma symptoms over the long-term. Many patients with A.S.A also benefit from avoiding triggers that can provoke an attack.