HealthTree Blog

Asthma is a respiratory condition in which the bronchial tubes in the lungs become inflamed and contract. The resulting contraction then leads to wheezing, severe coughing, and shortness of breath. The wheezing, severe coughing, and shortness of breath are all asthma symptoms, and sometimes can lead to what is known as an asthma attack or episode.

It should be noted, however, that not all asthma symptoms include wheezing, especially in younger children. Younger children can often have a continuous, hacking cough which is not relieved by conventional cough medications. When this occurs, a doctor may suspect asthma, and may even administer asthma treatment at that time to see if the coughing subsides.

When an actual asthma attack or episode occurs, the symptoms become much worse, and sometimes the person going through an attack can get into a life-threatening situation. It is therefore necessary to begin immediate asthma treatment as soon as symptoms appear.

Treatment can consist of using a device called a “rescue inhaler.” A rescue inhaler consists of a mouthpiece attached to a small container of fast-acting asthma medication. The mouthpiece is inserted, and a “puff” of medication is delivered by pushing up on the container. This process is repeated until relief is achieved, or as often as a physician has instructed.

Other methods of asthma treatment include nebulizers, which deliver a measured dose of medication over a slightly longer period of time, so that the medication can be absorbed further into the respiratory system. Prescription medications which provide longer lasting control of asthma symptoms can also be provided by a health care professional.