Treatment of asthma attack

Crisis treatment or rescue treatment is based on the use of metered-dose aerosols. Simple inhalations can dilate the bronchi as soon as the first symptoms of an asthma attack appear.

Asthma attack and exacerbation (asthma attack lasting several days) are accompanied by inflammation of the bronchial mucosa and narrowing of the caliber of the bronchus. These two combined and exacerbated phenomena lead to breathing difficulties, wheezing, anxiety and oppression . It is an acute or subacute worsening of symptoms and deterioration of respiratory function compared to the patient's usual condition. It may happen that it is the inaugural manifestation of asthma.

Asthma attack: treatments

Short-acting bronchodilators

Medications for the crisis should quickly alleviate the bronchial spasm. It is indeed for the patient to be relieved as quickly as possible. The inhalation of drugs makes it possible to act directly and quickly on the level of the bronchi . Thanks to a well-controlled practice of the "aerosol gesture", the patient is relieved very quickly by administering bronchodilators  (β-sympathomimetics or β-2 adrenergics (salbutamol or Ventoline® , terbutaline or Bricanyl® ). that Bricanyl® is used in cases of severe acute asthma.For asthma attacks that are not severe, Ventolin® is most often used.

Less used, there are associations of β-2 and vagolytics (Bronchodual®). The bronchodilator action is greater compared to that of the products taken separately. This combination saves β-2 adrenergics and reduces the number of drug intakes (2 puffs 3 times a day). This medication is also used to prevent exercise-induced asthma.

"Pocket" packaging allows immediate and on-demand use of the drug.

Aerosol User Guide

Only the correct use of sprays allows effective and rapid action. Take the time necessary to familiarize yourself with these practices. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice. Concretely :

For Ventolin®:

• Shake the aerosol;
• Empty your lungs by exhaling fully;
• Close your lips tightly around the mouthpiece;
• Inhale deeply by pressing the cartridge twice in a row;
• Hold your breath for 5 to 10 seconds while closing your mouth.

Two inhalations per attack, followed by two more 15 minutes after the first in case of ineffectiveness. You should never exceed the dose of 4 times 2 inhalations per day. Usually, a puff of 100 micrograms calms a moderate attack in 2 to 5 minutes .

The spacer

In small children , unable to properly synchronize the steps of the gesture, inhalation chambers (plastic reservoir retaining the volatilized drug) equipped with small masks allow good penetration of the product into the respiratory tract. The handling is simple.

Treatment of asthma exacerbation

When an asthma attack lasts for several days, despite repeated treatment for an attack, it is called an exacerbation. It can come on suddenly and get worse quickly. Asthma exacerbations can be more or less severe and sometimes require a visit to the emergency room and hospitalization. 

The treatment of asthma exacerbations is based on the use of rapid-acting inhaled bronchodilators in larger doses than those used during an asthma attack. The doctor can also prescribe cortisone (or corticosteroids) in tablets for a short time, to fight against inflammation of the bronchi

Prevention of asthma attacks through patient education 

It is essential because it is above all a question of avoiding the inconsiderate use of this type of medicine and the addiction  that results from it . True drug addiction can set in in a small number of patients.

A good example of this discipline, exercise-induced asthma , common in children, adolescents and young adults, can be perfectly prevented and controlled by the reasonable use of aerosols.

Aerosols are obviously not the only therapeutic route for asthmatic disease. Some situations require more aggressive treatments. But they are a safe and discreet way to reconcile normal life and respiratory incidents.