Roughly 1 of every 4 Americans suffers from asthma, according to the American Lung Association. Asthma attacks occur when bronchial tubes, or air tubes, inside the lungs narrow. The result is mild, moderate or severe difficulty breathing.
Once asthma attacks occur, medications or emergency room care can return breathing to normal. However, changes can occur in the air tubes following an asthma attach that trigger what's referred to as a "second wave" for days, or weeks, later.
The Second Wave
Even if an asthma attack is mild, second wave symptoms can be very serious. Air tubes continue to swell, and lungs become more sensitive to irritants. The normal symptoms of an asthma attack, such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and tightening of the chest, may have eased up, but the threat is not gone. When an asthma attack does strike during this phase, it is usually more severe, and more dangerous, than the initial attack.
Treatment of a Second Wave Attack
Because of the severity of second wave asthma attacks, urgent hospital care is often necessary. There, doctors can administer medication to reduce the swelling of air tubes and relax tightened airway muscles. Asthma sufferers should have a plan in place so that friends and family members know what to do--including what medical center to go to, emergency numbers and a list of medications the asthma sufferer is taking--in the event of an emergency.
Medical Prevention
When medication is prescribed for , it's usually in the form of anti-inflammatory drugs or bronchodilator drugs administered through inhalers. Antibiotics are sometimes prescribed for pneumonia or bacterial infections, which can trigger asthma attacks in susceptible patients. Antibiotics do not control the asthma itself.
Sedatives, decongestants and other cold medications, as well as epinephrine or adrenaline drugs, should not be taken for asthma because they don't help. They can make asthma worse.
In addition to prescription medications, physical therapy may be prescribed to decrease discomfort caused by muscle contraction in the chest.
Ongoing Precautionary Measures
The Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) recommends that asthma sufferers stay on top of their symptoms by monitoring and treating them. Good symptom management is key to avoiding worsening the condition. Patients should get to know their doctor and develop a partnership with the doctor in asthma management.
By identifying and reducing risk factors, patients can minimize problems with asthma. Stress is a factor for some patients, as are cigarette smoke, pet dander, molds and other allergens. Limiting exposure to asthma triggers can limit suffering for someone affected by asthma and may ultimately save her life.
Asthma in Children
Children should be given extra attention after an initial asthma attack. They are sometimes more susceptible to second wave asthma attacks because they are more active than adults and are less likely to avoid asthma triggers.
Children with asthma often need to be reminded about situations that can make their asthma symptoms worse. Adults, including physicians, should talk to children about what to do when an strikes. Having an action plan can keep a child from panicking. Children should be taught how and when to administer asthma medication to themselves, and they should be told to call 9-1-1 in the event of emergencies.
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