Asthma is a type of lung disease that interferes with the breathing airways. People who suffer from asthma are often unable to breathe normally, sometimes struggling to draw air into the body.
What is an Asthma Attack?
People who have asthma will experience the worst of their symptoms during asthma attacks. In the throes of an asthma attack, the breathing passageways become so inflamed that they are swollen almost shut in some cases. Trying to breathe under these circumstances is extremely difficult and the asthma sufferer will often start wheezing, gasping for air, and coughing during the attack. Because the feeling of not being able to breathe freely is a very frightening one, it is not unusual for asthma sufferers to feel panicked during an attack. During an asthma attack, some people feel pain in the chest as a result of the constant struggle to draw air.
What Prompts Asthma Attacks?
The reason for asthma attacks may not always be obvious. Some common triggers may include heavy exercise, laughing or crying heavily, airborne allergens, smoke, and pet dander. Extreme climate changes may trigger some asthma attacks, as well.
