Asthma is an inflammatory condition which causes the linings of the airways in an individual to become constricted when exposed to a certain trigger. When this happens the airways fill up with thick mucus and become narrowed to the extent that it makes breathing very difficult. The muscles lining these airways overreact and tighten and an asthma exacerbation, or attack, is the result. The symptoms of an asthma exacerbation can be very scary as the victim struggles for each breath.
Wheezing
A person suffering an asthma exacerbation will wheeze as he tries to breathe. When he inhales and exhales, narrowed airways create a wheezing sound.
Chest pain
He will breathe quite rapidly and there can be chest pain.
Coughing
When an asthma attack occurs the person will start coughing. The coughing will be very harsh and the individual will not be able to cease coughing as the attack goes on.
Panic
As a person fights for air, she may panic. These feelings of anxiousness are natural during an asthma exacerbation as the individual cannot breathe.
Cyanosis
The lack of oxygen to the lungs can cause the fingernails and the lips to turn a bluish color. This is the result of a process called cyanosis. The face of the person may be sweaty and he will have a hard time communicating what is wrong.
Tags: asthma exacerbation, asthma exacerbation
