Take My Breath Away

A severe asthma attack a few weeks ago started with a persistent cough that no amount of cough syrup was going to tame. This was followed by such shortness of breath that inhaling was like sucking air through a straw. I puffed on my handy Ventolin inhaler, then made the mistake of reaching for my faithful Becotide, which only increased my heart rate and spurred my sense of panic, leaving me gasping and crouched in a doorway. Just before I passed out, someone called the emergency services. When they arrived they quickly administered a Nebulizer treatment, a type of inhaled medication. Then another dose. Hours later, breathing normally was a distinct pleasure.

The above scenario could have been worse — or possibly fatal — if two key things hadn’t taken place. First, I recognized the “trigger” symptoms of an asthma attack. In this case, a lengthy plane flight and a distinct change in weather from Hong Kong’s relative warmth to London’s chilly air. Add time spent in a basement flat and the company of a dog to the mix, and this was a potent recipe for a breathing disaster. Unfortunately, many asthmatics don’t recognize their trigger points — and others don’t recognize that they might have this mysterious ailment. Second, medical help came quickly.

What Is Asthma?

“Asthma is probably not a single disease but the result of several different disease mechanisms,” explains Dr. Adrian Wu, a specialist in asthma and allergies based in Central. An asthma attack inflames the airways, making them swollen and narrow, which in turn makes it extremely difficult for sufferers to take in the deep, quality breaths they need.

The causes of asthma are not fully understood, but the condition is commonly believed to be caused by a mixture of hereditary and environmental factors. House dust mites, pets, pollen and molds can set off an attack, though many asthmatics have allergens unique to them. “The cause of asthma is multi-factorial,” says Lee. “But we don’t really know about the etiology of asthma.”

Triggers

Triggers are the potential causes of an asthma attack, and it’s important that asthma sufferers become aware of their own potential triggers so that they can avoid them if possible. Such triggers could include:
• Pets (cat dander and dog hair are common triggers)
• A sudden change in weather
• House dust mites
• Pollen
• Smoke
• Exercise in cold weather
• Medicine
• Emotions such as excitement or anger
• Air pollution
• Infections, such as a cold or flu
• Strong scents, exhaust or sprays