About An Asthma Attack

Before going into the mechanism of an attack, it is important for you to know a little bit about our respiratory system, that system in the body that looks after our respiration, i.e. inhalation and exhalation of gases for a variety of body functions. Respiration can be through the skin (cutaneous/subcutaneous) or through a network of organs, from the nose to the lung (pulmonary). The core components of the pulmonary respiratory system, which is here asthma attacks are targeted, are our lungs.

This is how it works - we breathe in oxygen-rich air through our nose. In the nasal cavity the air is filtered and sent onwards. It goes through the windpipe or the trachea and into the lungs through the bronchi.

The bronchi are a branched network of tubes that grow progressively narrower in the deeper areas of the lung. The unit of the bronchi is called a bronchiole, which open into sacs inside the lung called the alveoli (the unit of which is called an alveolus). Asthma occurs due to the irritation of this respiratory tract within the bronchi. When an irritant targets the bronchi the membranes in the bronchioles swell up and the bronchial muscles automatically contract, causing what is called a bronchospasm. This leads to the glands located in these walls to secrete excess mucus. The constriction is what causes the shallow breathing. This is similar to a wet cloth releasing excess water when squeezed.

What Triggers an Asthma Attack?

There are a number of triggers for an asthma attack. Asthma actually occurs as a result of two factors - external stimuli and hyperreactivity of the bronchi. When there is an external stimulus, the bronchi overreact, causing mucus secretion, as explained above.

There are a number of stimuli that can trigger an asthma attack. The most common stimuli are pollen, dust, animal hair, mold, etc. These are also called allergens, as they cause an allergic reaction.

Then there are other irritants, such as certain fumes, odors, etc. Fumes could be specific gases, cigarette smoke, polluted air, etc. odors could be as varied as varnish, certain perfumes, detergent odors, etc.

Other triggers could be an already existing cold or flu. A common trigger is bronchitis, which again is an inflammation of the bronchi.

Some other triggers are stress, excitement, fatigue, medication, etc.

Treating Asthma >>