An asthma attack occurs when the airways in the lungs become inflamed and narrow, making breathing difficult. Asthma attacks can range from mild to severe, but leaving any asthma attack untreated is dangerous and potentially life-threatening.
What causes an asthma attack?
Asthma attacks are typically triggered by exposure to an asthma trigger such as allergens, irritants, weather changes, exercise, infections, or stress. The airways become inflamed, swell up, and produce extra mucus. The muscles around the airways tighten, further narrowing the airways. This makes breathing very difficult.
What are the symptoms of an untreated asthma attack?
The most common symptoms of an untreated asthma attack include:
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing or whistling sound when exhaling
- Chest tightness or pain
- Coughing, especially at night
- Fatigue from working hard to breathe
As the attack worsens, symptoms may include:
- Gasping for air
- Difficulty speaking in full sentences
- Blue tinge to lips or fingernails
- Rapid heartbeat
- Feeling of panic or fear
What happens during an untreated asthma attack?
Without treatment, an asthma attack will continue to get worse. The airways will become even more inflamed and constricted. Breathing will become extremely labored. Not enough oxygen will reach vital organs.
As the attack progresses, the airways can close so much that not enough air can flow through. Oxygen levels in the blood drop dangerously low and carbon dioxide levels rise. Major organ damage can occur.
What are the risks of leaving an asthma attack untreated?
Some of the most serious risks and complications of leaving an asthma attack untreated include:
- Respiratory failure – Not getting enough oxygen can lead to respiratory failure, which requires emergency intubation and ventilation.
- Pneumothorax – Repeated forceful breathing against obstructed airways can cause lung tissue to rupture, allowing air to leak into the space between the lungs and chest wall.
- Status asthmaticus – A severe, prolonged asthma attack that does not respond to initial treatment. It is a life-threatening emergency.
- Cardiac arrest – With severely low oxygen, the heart can stop beating. This is fatal if not treated immediately.
When should you seek emergency care for an asthma attack?
Emergency medical care should be sought right away if:
- Your inhaler does not relieve symptoms within 15-20 minutes
- Breathing does not improve after initial treatment
- Breathing worsens over time
- Chest pain or tightness does not go away with inhaler
- You have trouble walking or talking due to shortness of breath
- Lips or fingernails are blue or gray
Do not wait as delaying emergency care greatly increases the risks of life-threatening complications. Calling 911 or having someone drive you to emergency care is recommended.
How is an asthma attack treated in an emergency setting?
Treatment given for a severe asthma attack may include:
- Oxygen via mask to increase blood oxygen levels
- Nebulized bronchodilators to open airways
- Corticosteroids to reduce airway inflammation
- Magnesium sulfate to relax muscles around airways
- Epinephrine to relax airway muscles if unresponsive to other medications
- Intubation and mechanical ventilation if breathing fails
How can future asthma attacks be prevented?
The best way to prevent future severe asthma attacks is through asthma control and avoiding triggers. Steps include:
- Taking controller medications as prescribed to reduce inflammation
- Having an action plan for dealing with attacks early
- Monitoring asthma symptoms and lung function
- Avoiding asthma triggers whenever possible
- Getting recommended vaccinations, especially annual flu shot
- Seeing your doctor regularly to review medications and symptom control
Conclusion
Leaving an asthma attack untreated is very dangerous and can result in hospitalization or even death. At the first signs of an attack, use a rescue inhaler as directed. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek emergency care immediately. Proper management of asthma can reduce the risk of severe attacks occurring.