Status asthmaticus is a respiratory failure caused by the most severe form of acute severe asthma, also known as an asthma attack. If an attack occurs quickly and does not respond to regular treatment, it can result in status asthmaticus. If this occurs, you may need to go to the hospital to be treated. If you have a severe asthma attack and your rescue inhaler or nebulizer isn’t working, you should seek medical attention right away.
What are the signs and symptoms?
Status asthmaticus symptoms frequently mimic those of a typical asthma attack.
The following are the initial symptoms:
- shallow, short breaths
- wheezing
- coughing
However, as the attack progresses, the symptoms of status asthmaticus tend to worsen or fail to improve. If you don’t get enough oxygen, your wheezing and coughing may stop.
Other asthma symptoms associated with status asthmaticus include:
- breathing difficulties
- sweating profusely
- speaking difficulties
- exhaustion and weakness
- Muscle pain in the abdomen, back, or neck
- panic or perplexity
- lips or skin that is blue
- consciousness loss
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Causes
Doctors are baffled as to why some people suffer from severe asthma attacks. It is more likely if:
Because you don’t see your doctor very often, your asthma is out of control.
You come into contact with your asthma triggers or allergens.
You do not use your peak flow meter or asthma medications in the manner prescribed by your doctor in your asthma action plan.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms as well as how well you are breathing. They’ll want to know if you’re tired or wheeze when you breathe in and out. They will take your pulse rate. You may also be given tests such as peak expiratory flow and oxygen saturation.
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Treatment
With an asthma attack, you must begin treatment as soon as symptoms appear, either at home or in your doctor’s office.
If your symptoms are severe and do not improve after following your asthma action plan and taking your medications as prescribed by your doctor, call 911 for emergency medical assistance. At the hospital, your treatment may include using an asthma nebulizer continuously, as well as epinephrine and corticosteroids to stop the attack.
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Prevention
If you have asthma, there is no way to completely prevent severe asthma attacks. There are, however, several things you can do to greatly reduce your chances of getting one.
The most important step is to follow the treatment plan prescribed by your doctor. Even if your symptoms appear to be improving and you aren’t experiencing any attacks, don’t discontinue any treatments until your doctor instructs you to.
Other precautions you can take include:
- Making use of a peak flow monitor. This is a portable device that measures how much air leaves your lungs when you exhale quickly. Keep track of your readings to see if any patterns emerge. Purchase a peak flow monitor here.
- Keep track of your triggers. Keep a running list of situations or activities that frequently accompany your attacks. This can assist you in avoiding them in the future.
- Keeping an extra inhaler on hand. Always keep an extra inhaler on hand in case of an emergency. Bring extra medication with you if you’re traveling.
- Speaking with friends and family. Tell those who care about you how to recognize the symptoms of a severe asthma attack and why they should take you to the hospital.
Status asthmaticus is a serious condition that must be managed on an ongoing basis. However, most people recover completely after being treated in a hospital for a severe asthma attack.
Even if you feel completely better, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. You should also collaborate with your doctor to develop a treatment plan that manages your symptoms while lowering your risk of having another attack.
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