Severe Asthma What Looks Like
Severe asthma may appear different from mild or moderate asthma, and it's important to recognize the signs and symptoms of severe asthma to seek appropriate medical attention. Some key features of severe asthma include:
1. Increased Respiratory Difficulty: Severe asthma can cause significant shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness. The individual may have difficulty speaking, walking, or even lying down due to the intense respiratory distress.
2. Frequent Episodes: Severe asthma is often characterized by frequent asthma attacks or exacerbations. These episodes may occur more often than once a week and require urgent medical care or hospitalization.
3. Prolonged Symptoms: Symptoms of severe asthma tend to last longer and may not respond well to usual medications. The individual may experience持续喘息, wheezing, and chest tightness for several hours or even days.
4. Poor Response to Treatment: Individuals with severe asthma may not respond adequately to standard asthma treatments, such as inhaled bronchodilators or corticosteroids. They may require high doses of medications or additional treatments, including oral steroids or intravenous medications, to achieve symptom control.
5. Nocturnal Symptoms: Severe asthma often leads to nighttime symptoms, including coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing. These symptoms can disrupt sleep and significantly affect the person's quality of life.
6. Rapid Heart Rate: During an asthma attack, the heart rate can increase significantly. This is a sign of the body's increased effort to deliver oxygen to the body's tissues.
7. Extreme Fatigue: Severe asthma can cause significant fatigue and exhaustion, affecting daily activities and overall well-being.
8. Hospitalization: Severe asthma may require hospitalization to manage acute exacerbations, provide intensive treatment, and monitor the individual's condition closely.
9. Emergency Medical Care: People with severe asthma may need to visit the emergency department or seek immediate medical attention during severe attacks.
It's important to note that severe asthma should be managed under the supervision of a healthcare professional. If you or someone you know experiences severe asthma symptoms, seek medical attention promptly to ensure appropriate treatment and monitoring.