Attacks of suffocation

Choking in all its manifestations never appears just like that. This is a rather dangerous symptom, in some cases even fatal. With suffocation, a person experiences acute shortage of air, severe shortness of breath, severe chest pain. In medicine, this condition is called asphyxiation.

[1], [2], [3]

Causes of the choking attack

Attacks of suffocation can occur both in patients and in completely healthy people, therefore, first of all, it is necessary to find out the cause of their appearance.

[4], [5], [6]

Pathogenesis

At the heart of the pathogenesis of bronchial asthma is a cascade of allergic and immunopathological reactions, which are divided into three stages:

• immunological;
• pathochemical;
• pathophysiological.

The immunological phase occurs when the allergen re-enters the mucosa of the bronchial tree.

During the pathochemical phase in tissues and blood, the concentration of acetylcholine, histamine, the slowly reacting substance of anaphylaxis (MRS-A) is actively increased.

The pathophysiological stage of the allergic reaction is characterized by the synergistic action of biological substances, which causes a spasm of smooth muscles, relaxes the tone of the walls of the vessels, increases their permeability, causes swelling of the surrounding tissues. This increases the secretion of mucus by bronchial goblet cells, increases the level of histamine, which contributes to the influx of eosinophilic granulocytes into the focus of allergic inflammation.

All factors of the disease provoke a violation of ventilation, gas exchange in the lungs, provoke an attack of suffocation.

[7], [8], [9], [10], [11], [12], [13]

Symptoms of the choking attack

Symptoms of asthma attacks are divided into several stages.

At the first stage of the disease the following symptoms are observed:

• blood pressure rises;
• dizziness;
• darkening in the eyes;
• psychomotor agitation;
• heart rate decreases.

The second stage of the symptoms of the disease:

• disturbances in the rhythm of breathing;
• impossibility to perform a strong exhalation;
• breathing slow;
• blood pressure drops;
• reduction of heart rate;
• there is a bluish color of fingers, legs, on the tip of the nose, lips.

The third stage: the symptoms, in which the patient falls into a coma:

• failure of the respiratory center with respiratory arrest from several seconds to several minutes;
• the spinal and ocular reflexes are weakened;
• The arterial pressure goes down to the point of collapse;
• loss of consciousness.

The fourth stage is the appearance of sharp convulsive breaths, which can last several minutes.

Over time, with frequent attacks of suffocation, there may be a pathognomonic symptom called a "barrel chest". Severe, labored breathing increases the volume of the lungs, as a result of which the chest widens. Emphysema of the lungs is developing, a disease in which the lungs are not able to contract completely, as a result of which enough oxygen is not supplied to the blood.

In medicine, there is such a thing as "autoerotic asphyxia". This is a rather hidden symptom of an attack of suffocation, since a lethal outcome occurs accidentally. Such patients are called auto-asphyxiophiles, since they themselves cause artificial suffocation, trying to achieve orgasm.

There is amphibiotropic asphyxia caused by sudden pain in the thorax and severe shortness of breath.

[14]

First signs

The first signs of suffocation are:

• Dyspnea. Seizures can occur against the background of an allergic reaction, from room dust, animal plants, a long stay on the street. Particular attention should be paid to the sudden appearance of dyspnea.
• Cough. In this case, a dangerous cough is dangerous. A person has a feeling that he can not clear his throat, and only after a long cough there is scant sputum. In some cases, coughing appears together with shortness of breath.
• Rapid breathing with prolonged exhalation. During an attack of suffocation a person is hard not only to inhale the air, but also to exhale. Moreover, breathing is delayed and gives the impression of the impossibility of exhalation. There may be panic.
• Sudden wheezing during breathing. By the nature of wheezing wheezing, sometimes audible at a distance.
• Chest pain. There is a feeling of stiffness and pain in the chest. There is an imaginary retraction (a decrease in the volume) of the muscles.
• Change the appearance. The face becomes pale, lips turn blue and fingertips, thus there can be an obstructed speech.

[15], [16], [17], [18]

Cough with asthma attacks

In medicine, there is a definition of "cough asthma," which can be caused by acute respiratory infections, influenza, allergic rhinitis, and sinusitis. Also, the manifestation of a cough with attacks of suffocation is observed in smokers, with physical exertion.

Coughing attacks with signs of suffocation appear at any time of the day, but are most often observed at night. First, there can be snoring, then breathing is accompanied by a specific whistle, causing a violent cough.

Allergens, pollutants (pollutants of the environment), frequent colds, cold air, sharp smells, etc. Can provoke a cough.

Eosinophilia and leukocytosis are observed in patients suffering from a severe cough with an asthmatic component. The normal level of eosinophils in the blood serum is from 1 to 5%, however in some cases their number reaches over 15%. This indicator is considered the main diagnostic sign of an allergic cough in asthma.

[19], [20], [21]

Allergic attack of suffocation

The most common symptom of allergy is choking. An allergic attack of suffocation is often accompanied by other symptoms, such as:

• continuous cough;
• inflammation and swelling of the mucous membrane of the larynx;
• intense hyperemia of the body;
• the appearance of a rash, itching of the skin;
• severe restrained breathing (hypoxia);

The cause of an allergic attack of suffocation can be the following respiratory allergens:

• pollen and color of plants;
• wool of domestic animals;
• dust mites;
• Food;
• household chemicals;
• medicinal preparations, etc.

The attack of suffocation with allergies appears suddenly. A person can be at rest and not be physically stressed. Breathing instantly becomes hard, gradually difficult, there is a dry cough with expectoration white sputum.

The reaction of the body to the allergen can be different. It:

• slight shortness of breath;
• severe swelling of the larynx;
• severe suffocation.

[22]

Night attacks of suffocation

Paroxysmal (night) choking is accompanied by fear and panic. The patient wakes up from lack of air. The attack is accompanied by a strong cough, turning into heavy breathing with a whistle. Similar symptoms are a signal of the first signs of chronic diseases, such as:

• Chronic heart failure (CHF).
• Bronchial asthma.
• Arrhythmia. Night choking can be a consequence of atrial fibrillation, in which there is an unsystematic excitation of cardiac muscle fibers. There is a violation of the pulse rate.
• Overweight. Lack of air at night often happens in people with excess weight.

Attack of suffocation with difficulty exhaling

A suffocation attack with a labored exhalation can be caused by spasms of small bronchi and bronchioles. The cause of a labored exhalation that causes suffocation can be:

• a sharp change in air temperature;
• allergic reaction;
• diseases of the respiratory, cardiac, cold;
• unstable emotional state, stress.

There is an easy, medium and severe form of asthma accompanied by a hard exhalation.

With a mild form, dyspnea occurs with rapid walking, mild excitation, etc. The frequency of breathing is increased, wheezing wheezes appear on exhalation.

The middle form implies a strong stimulation, in which the auxiliary musculature is involved. The frequency of breathing is significantly increased, and there are sonorous wheezing that can be heard from a distance.

The severe form is observed during an attack of suffocation, when the rhythm of the respiratory rate exceeds more than 30 per 1 minute. The patient is in an excited state, a dry cough is observed, breathing is difficult, especially with exhalation.

It should be noted that an attack of suffocation with a labored expiration is one of the main diagnostic signs of bronchial asthma. Moreover, with frequent asthma attacks, asthmatic status develops, which is characterized by obstruction (obstruction) of the bronchi. Asthmatic status develops with a prolonged attack of bronchial asthma. The patient has a loud breathing with a shortness of breath. Develops an attack of expiratory dyspnea, an increasing cyanosis, tachycardia. Sometimes symptoms of heart failure appear. This is a very dangerous condition that threatens the life of the patient.

[23], [24]

Sudden attack of suffocation

Suddenly, a sudden attack of choking greatly frightens both the patient himself and others. If the attack appeared for the first time, it is necessary to find out the cause of its appearance. A sudden attack of suffocation can be the first signal of the development of such diseases as:

• bronchial asthma;
• cardiac asthma;
• allergy;
• diseases of cardiovascular nature, etc.

Sudden attacks of suffocation are of the same type and pass gradually, almost always causing a person a feeling of intense fear.

The cause of suffocation can be severe stress, physical stress, overeating. Often the attack occurs at night. A man wakes up from lack of air. He is not able to inhale, after which shortness of breath begins.

A sudden attack of suffocation can occur in a completely healthy person. The cause may be a foreign body, in which there is a reflex spasm of bronchioles. The final conclusion can only be after bronchoscopy. Also, the foreign body can cause stenosis of the larynx with an attack of sudden suffocation.

Recurrent attacks of suffocation

Periodic attacks of suffocation can occur at any time of the day. The patient feels a sharp spasm in the throat, breathing becomes heavy, accompanied by a whistle. In some cases, a dry cough appears.

Such attacks occur when thyroid dysfunction is violated, therefore, an endocrinologist is needed. You should also contact Laura (otolarynologist), pulmonologist and cardiologist, since such symptoms can be associated with heart pathology, respiratory system diseases and spasms of the larynx muscles.

Periodic attacks of suffocation can be caused by an allergic reaction, psychological causes and various infectious diseases.

Attacks of a dyspnea on nerves

Diseases arising on the basis of stress in medicine are called psychosomatic disorders. According to medical statistics, approximately 50% of cases of bronchial asthma and allergic diseases occur on a nervous basis. Neuropsychiatric diseases in most cases cause asthma attacks.

Neurogenic respiratory disorders, such as hyperventilation syndrome, panic attacks, reactive psychoses, and paranoia disrupt the regulation of the respiratory system. Also, attacks of suffocation are observed in people suffering from claustrophobia.

Stressful situations that arise at home, at work, related to children's problems often cause feelings of anxiety, panic, fear. Against the backdrop of these events there is a dry cough, wheezing, shortness of breath and an attack of suffocation. Stressful situations are considered the most common symptom of bronchial asthma. An asthmatic condition or nervous asthma first causes a breakdown of the nervous system, and only after that there are significant changes in the bronchi and lungs.

The attack of asthma can provoke pathological conditions of the digestive system. As a result of a disorder on the nervous soil, muscular activity of the esophagus is disturbed. There is a spasm of the larynx, a "lump in the throat" appears, which causes suffocation.

Often during a neurotic disorder, there is pain in the intercostal space, which patients are mistakenly considered a heart attack.

Attacks of a suffocation on nervous soil decrease if the person does not think of problems, is distracted by other affairs.

[25], [26]

Attacks of suffocation in the child

Attacks of suffocation of children can be caused by:

• an unstable emotional state (crying, laughter, fright);
• a strong cough;
• ingress of a foreign body into the body;
• an allergic reaction;
• the consequence of a viral infection;
• diseases of the throat, bronchi, lungs, heart, etc.

Choking can develop against the backdrop of a lack of calcium salts in the body, with rickets, postpartum trauma.

During an attack of suffocation, the muscles of the face, neck and neck tighten in the child, the head throws back. The face becomes red, gradually acquiring a shade of blue, on which protrudes small drops of cold sweat. There are symptoms such as: vomiting, cough, increased salivation, shortness of breath. There are cases of loss of consciousness, temporary stopping of breathing.

Suffocation in children on the basis of uncontrolled emotions arises from the spasm of the muscles of the larynx. Usually such attacks go on their own and end with an extended inspiration. A child psychologist is recommended.

A severe cough provokes swelling of the larynx, which may result in an attack of suffocation. Do not leave the child alone, especially at night. Consultation with an otolaryngologist is required.

Foreign body in the larynx or trachea is dangerous for life, because as a result of obstruction (obstruction) of the respiratory tract of the respiratory tract, the development of asphyxiation is possible. A great role is played by the nature and size of the foreign body. Metal, plastic objects are less of a threat than objects of vegetable origin, such as nuts, seeds, fragments of leaves, etc. There begins a sharp cough, shortness of breath, hoarseness of the voice, breathing accompanied by a whistle and a heavy breath.

The child needs first aid. Turn it over the knee and slap it several times over the back in the area of the scapula. If the attack does not go away, turn the baby face to yourself and press on the chest with the palm of your hand. Otherwise, the foreign body will have to be removed with the help of rigid tracheobronchoscopy. From the correct actions, the speed of care depends on the child's life.

Allergies can occur from the first days of life. Attacks of asphyxia due to allergies are usually a signal of a dangerous chronic disease. Children suffering from bronchitis are prone to a condition called bronchospasm in medicine. The child suffocates, can not breathe, tries to clear his throat. Obstruction occurs suddenly, due to the reaction of the bronchi to stimuli, which are difficult to detect. This can be a reaction to mold, harsh odors, household chemicals, pets, etc. In such cases, doctors recommend that you do nothing, and immediately call an ambulance. Often children come to resuscitation with a spasm of bronchial tubes, who took a dose of anti-allergic drugs. Therefore, only a doctor should help. In each case, individual treatment is required for treatment methods.

Recent medical studies have proven the association of allergic diseases in children with viral infections. Increases the risk of poor ecology, weather changes. These factors can provoke asthma attacks in children.

[27], [28], [29], [30], [31]

Complications and consequences

The consequences of an attack of suffocation are manifested in the following:

• In the lungs, air is trapped, resulting in a disturbance in the rhythm of breathing, especially when exhaled. The rate of breathing accelerates, as the body tries to fill the lack of oxygen;
• decreases the productivity of the respiratory muscles. The body tries to restore breathing due to the auxiliary muscles;
• pulse and heart rate increase;
• in connection with the lowered oxygen content, the level of carbon dioxide in the blood rises sharply. The skin becomes blue;
• due to a lack of oxygen in the blood, the brain can not perform its functions, there is a loss of consciousness;
• convulsions begin, a foam may appear at the mouth;

Possible complications are divided into two groups. These are pulmonary (respiratory) complications related only to the lungs, and extrapulmonary, which in the course of the disease affected other important organs and systems.

Pulmonary complications include:

• hyperinflation of the lungs;
• pneumothorax;
• emphysema of the lungs;
• asthmatic status;
• atelectasis;
• and others.

Extrapulmonary complications are:

• impaired brain function;
• heart failure;
• disruption of the gastrointestinal tract;
• other violations.

Pulmonary complications are observed in patients much more often, moreover, if the disease lasts for three years, complications occur almost in all cases of the disease.

Hyperinflation (a sharp swelling) is characterized by an irreversible flow of air in the lungs. The disease is not treatable, it can only be suspended.

With pneumothorax, patients have a constant dry cough, shortness of breath, chest pain. There is a sharp decrease in vital activity, weight, lethargy of the organism.

Emphysema of the lungs is an inadequate enlargement of the alveoli of the lungs, as a result of which there is a disturbance in the flow of oxygen into the blood and the removal of carbon dioxide. The consequence of the disease can be heart failure.

Asthmatic status is a severe and prolonged attack of suffocation. In bronchioles of the lungs sputum accumulates, which leads to swelling, hypoxia, and suffocation.

Atelectasis - a violation of the alveoli in the bronchi, as a result of the accumulation of mucus, resulting in impaired lung ventilation. Patients with persistent shortness of breath, with characteristic signs of suffocation.

There is a violation of blood circulation, a sharp decrease in blood pressure, arrhythmia, which can cause myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest.

The most serious pathology of a physician is considered to be a disorder in the function of the brain. The fact is that with any changes in blood composition, (insufficient oxygen saturation, high content of carbon dioxide), there is a disruption of brain activity, loss of consciousness, memory, fainting, etc. Often irreversible processes occur, such as dementia (encephalopathy), violation of perception processes, thinking, psyche.

Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract occur as a result of side effects of drugs used to treat and stop attacks of suffocation.

During an attack of shortness of breath, severe coughing, choking, the patient may experience incontinence of urine and feces. This is due to increased intra-abdominal pressure and weakened sphincters. Weak perineal muscles can provoke prolapse of the rectum. Also, the appearance of a hernia, in some cases, there may be a rupture of the internal organs, with subsequent bleeding.

[32]

Diagnostics of the choking attack

Diagnosis of diseases that cause asthma attacks is divided into three stages:

• the examination of the patient, the identification of complaints and symptoms of the disease;
• laboratory research;
• instrumental diagnostics.

At the first stage of the diagnosis, the patient is examined by auscultation of the lungs, measurement of blood pressure, pulse. Based on complaints, the main signs of the disease, the history of the disease, the preliminary diagnosis is determined. The collection of anamnesis involves information about the genetic data of close relatives suffering from bronchial asthma or allergic diseases. Also, attacks of suffocation can be associated with specific factors, such as increased physical activity, seasonal flowering plants, animal hair, cold air, etc. It is not always possible to put the correct diagnosis in the initial stage of the disease. An important point in the examination of the patient is the auscultation of breathing, when strong wheezing of the lungs is heard especially at the time of exacerbation. During the subsidence of wheezing, wheezing occurs with a strong inspiration, but is audited in the basal part of the lungs. During the tapping of the lungs (percussion), a sound appears with a boxed tint.

Laboratory methods of diagnosis - a collection of blood tests, urine, sputum, spirography, provocative tests, tests for allergies. So, for example, a blood test will help to identify zosinophilia, and by examining the functions of external respiration, carrying out allergic tests, you can exclude other possible diseases.

Instrumental diagnostics implies obligatory X-ray, bronchoscopic examination, ECG, computer tomography of the lungs, as well as radiological methods of examination.

The main procedures in diagnosing attacks of suffocation are spirography and peakflowmetry. With the help of spirography, it is possible to assess the condition of the lungs by determining the speed and volume of exhaled air. Peakflowmetry determines the peak expiratory flow rate. The measurement is carried out in the morning using a peak meter. In just a few minutes, one can assume or determine the correct diagnosis of the disease.

Diagnosis at the initial stage is of great importance, since the treatment can be more effective in the early stages of the disease.

[33], [34], [35], [36]

Analyzes

Laboratory methods for studying diseases that cause asthma attacks are mandatory. The results of the tests allow the doctor to assess the patient's condition, determine an accurate diagnosis and prescribe an effective treatment. During the medical examination, the doctor suggests the patient to make the following tests.

• A general blood test, which determines the amount of zosinophils in the blood. In bronchial asthma, which causes asthma attacks, there are high rates of zosinophils, erythrocytes and hemoglobin, and a low level of leukocytes. During the attacks of suffocation, ESR almost always remains normal, an increase in this indicator is observed only in cases of the presence of infection, the number of neutrophils and the shift of the leukocyte formula to the left.
• Sputum analysis is mandatory, as high concentration of epithelial cells, Charcot-Leiden crystals (thin crystals formed from the enzyme of zosinophils), Kurshman spirals, formed from viscous mucus, spiraled, is detected in the sputum. Elevated levels of neutrophils characterize the infectious nature of the disease, and zosinophils are allergic. Sputum is mucous, in some cases with pus and blood.
• Allergoproby by method of application skin tests, scarification tests are quite effective. They reveal an allergen that triggers a chain of an allergic reaction, which results in attacks of suffocation.
• General analysis of stool, as a result of which parasitic invasion can be detected. Ascarids (dioecious worms, capable of harming the walls of the small intestine), undergo development through the circulatory system of the lungs, causing weakening of immunity, intoxication, and allergic reaction of the body.

[37], [38], [39], [40],

Instrumental diagnostics

Instrumental diagnosis allows obtaining objective data for establishing the correct diagnosis and subsequent treatment of asthma attacks. Instrumental research methods are:

• radiography;
• tomography;
• fluorography;
• bronchoscopy;
• thoracoscopy;
• electrocardiogram.

The most common method of instrumental diagnosis can be called radiography, with which you can find the following deviations:

• changes in lung tissue;
• foci of compaction;
• presence in the pleural cavity of air or liquid;
• increase of blood vessels in the roots of the lungs;
• intensity of pulmonary pattern;
• other pathological processes.

Tomography - one of the methods of radiography, with the help of which a step-by-step study of the lungs, bronchi, infiltrates (increased concentration of cellular elements containing impurities of blood and lymph) in tissues, caverns, etc. Is made.

Fluorography allows you to get an X-ray, which can be seen changes in the bronchi and lungs. For example, if a patient has frequent attacks of suffocation, the picture will show a thickening of the walls of the bronchi.

Bronchoscopy diagnoses bronchial conditions if there are suspicions of tumors or foreign bodies, as well as caverns and abscesses of the lungs.

Thoracoscopy is performed by inserting a thoracoscope into the pleural cavity through the thoracic wall. The procedure is painless, has no complications and injuries.

Electrocardiogram (ECG) - reveals cardiac overload, especially in the elderly. It can be a blockade of the right leg of the bundle of the Hisnia, the load of the right heart, ischemia, extrasystole dysfunction of the left department.

Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnosis should take into account all the clinical symptoms - shortness of breath, cough, attacks of suffocation, peculiar to other diseases. Not always an attack of asthma is associated with bronchial asthma. Similar symptoms have other diseases, such as:

• pneumothorax;
• bronchus tumor;
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
• the presence of a foreign body in the bronchi;
• cardiovascular diseases;
• epilepsy;
• poisoning with drugs;
• acute nephritis;
• sepsis;
• other diseases.

Consider some of the listed diseases in more detail.

Most often, bronchial asthma is differentiated from cardiac pathology. Signs of heart failure develop against a background of high blood pressure, after psychological stress, physical activity, etc. The patient suffocates, it is difficult for him to take a deep breath.

In the presence of a foreign body, there may be attacks of suffocation, similar to bronchial asthma, and wheezing in the lungs is not audible.

In medicine, there is a condition called hysteroid asthma. This condition is familiar to young women who have a nervous system. In this case, the attack of choking is associated with hysterical crying, laughter or a strong groan. In the process of active movement of the chest appear increased breaths and exhalations. Signs of obstruction and wheezing in the lungs are absent.

Treatment of the choking attack

The sequence of the doctor's actions in the provision of emergency care:

• diagnose the patient;
• fix the duration and severity of the attack of suffocation;
• choose the right dosage and form of administration.
• determine a further plan for hospitalization and treatment of the patient.

Initial phase of emergency care:

1. Emergency call an ambulance;
2. Relieve from the clothing area of the chest and throat, provide access to fresh air;
3. Control of body temperature, frequency of respiratory movements (number of breaths and breaths per minute), peak expiratory flow rate (fixed after a deep inspiration);

Therapy of a light attack:

1. Inhalational inhalation of preparations of berodual, ipratropium bromide or other bronchodilators using an aerosol inhaler
2. Inhalation with nebudayzera, 20-40 drops beroduala 3 ml saline.
3. Oxygenotherapy (warm and moistened oxygen).

The effect of therapy is estimated after 20 minutes.

Therapy of an attack of moderate severity:

1. Oxygenotherapy;
2. Inhalation of bronchospasmolytic drugs, (ventilin 1 ampoule 2.5 mg; beryodual 10 drops);
3. If the effect is insufficient, eufillin is recommended at 2.4%.

Relief occurs in 20 minutes.

Severe attack:

1. from 40 to 60 drops, dilute with a saline solution, inhale for 5-10 minutes.
2. pulmicort 1-2 mg;
3. prednisolone 60-120 mg intravenously.

With the development of an attack of suffocation, urgent hospitalization is necessary in the department of the hospital.

Medications

Adrenaline is effective for removing the attack of suffocation . If the patient develops a shock or anaphylactic shock, the adrenaline is mandatory, since in this case he is the first resuscitation tool. This drug has a stimulating effect on adrenergic receptors. To stop the attack of suffocation, adrenaline is administered subcutaneously. The dose of the drug is determined by the body weight of the patient. Less than 60 kg - 0.3 ml of 0.1% solution (0.3 mg). If there is no improvement in the condition, you can repeat the injection in 20 minutes. You can repeat no more than three times. A good effect is provided by adrenaline in combination with pituitrin P (astromolysin). Subcutaneously 0.2 ml.

To facilitate the condition of the patient when providing first aid, ephedrine is used . The drug begins to act 30 minutes after the administration, but the effect lasts up to 4 hours. Intramuscularly or subcutaneously, 0.5 - 1.0 ml of a 5% solution is administered. Ephedrine is used to prevent attacks of suffocation and the first symptoms of the disease. It is enough to take the tablets to 0,025 g. 2 times a day. Possible side effects, such as increased excitement, palpitations, sweating, increased blood pressure.

Euphyllin relaxes the musculature of the bronchi, reduces the diaphragm of the lungs, stimulates the respiratory process, improves the alveolar ventilation, which significantly reduces the attack of suffocation. Also, eufillin positively affects the cardiovascular system of the body, lowers the tone of blood vessels, lowers pressure in the "small" circle of circulation, and has a peripheral venodilating effect. Euphyllin plays an important role in the therapy of bronchospasm. Introduced intravenously 3 mg per 1 kg of weight or drip.

When removing attacks of suffocation use a group of drugs inhaled glucocorticosteroid hormones. The drugs have anti-inflammatory properties, regular use significantly improves the condition of patients, reducing the frequency of asthma attacks. The most popular and popular drugs:

Budesonide (Benacorte, Pulmicort,). One dose contains 50 μg (Mite) or 200 μg of the drug (forte). Perform 1-2 breaths 2 times a day.

Beclomethasone dipropionate (Aldecine, Beclodget, Bekotid, Clenil, Beklazone, Nasobek, Eco Easy Breathing). One dose of the inhaler contains 50, 100 or 250 μg. Apply 2-4 times a day. (200-1000 μg / day).

Fluticasone propionate (Fliksotid) 1 dose contains 50, 100 or 250 μg of the drug. Assign 1-2 doses 2 times a day.

Vitamins

To facilitate the patient's condition during the attacks of suffocation, the body needs vitamins and minerals. We list some of them.

• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid). The results of clinical studies have shown that the lack of vitamin C increases the attacks of suffocation. In bronchial asthma, cardiac and allergic attacks of asthma, it is recommended to take 1-4 grams of ascorbic acid per day. The combination of nicotinic and ascorbic acid increases the effect of the components, which greatly facilitates the attack. The recommended dose: 90-110 mg of nicotinic acid and 250-300 mg of ascorbic acid once a day. It is advisable to include foods rich in vitamin C in the diet. These are citrus fruits, strawberries, rosehips, red and green peppers, cabbage, black currant berries, etc.
• Vitamin B ₆ (pyridoxine). Patients with bronchial asthma have a low level of pyridoxine (B ₆ ). This is due to the use of drugs that expand the airways (bronchodilators), which are based on theophylline. Use of B ₆ reduces shortness of breath. The recommended dose is 50 mg once a day. The dose can be increased to 100 mg 2 times a day. Overdose can cause tingling and numbness in the limbs. In some cases, nervous excitement is observed. Foods rich in vitamin B ₆ - nuts, beans, liver, chicken meat, fish (mackerel, tuna), pomegranate, etc.
• Vitamin B ₁₂. According to medical research, vitamin B ₁₂ helps to ease the breathing of patients with asthma. It is recommended to take 1 mg of the drug once a week. Treatment continue for 4 weeks, then gradually reduce the dose to one admission per month. Periodicity of admission - no more than 4 months. Vitamin B _{12 is} recommended only under medical supervision. In food it is desirable to eat foods such as meat, eggs, sour cream, liver, fish, cheese, etc.
• Vitamin E (tocopherol). Recently, during treatment, patients with asthma are prescribed vitamin E. The drug has a positive effect on the heart muscle. Excessive use of vitamin E raises blood pressure. It is recommended to take 200-400 IU adults and 50-100 IU children. Patients with asthma are recommended to include in the diet food rich in vitamin E. This is beef liver, eggs, cereals, vegetable oil, etc.

Vitamins Omega 3, Omega 9, magnesium, selenium, flavonoids, which are able to protect the cells of the body from damage, will help to reduce the inflammatory process in the body. Science has proven that people who eat foods containing the vitamins of the above groups are less prone to lung, bronchus, heart disease, which can cause asthma attacks.

Regarding vitamin D in medical practice, there are many differences. Some sources of information claim that class D vitamins relieve asthma. However, recent studies have shown that its effect absolutely does not affect the effectiveness of therapy, the nature and course of the disease.

Products containing oxalic acid should be removed from the diet, as they remove calcium from the body. It should also reduce the intake of Omega-6 vitamins and hydrogenated fats. Due to these products in the blood, the metabolism of arachidonic acid deteriorates, which causes smooth muscle spasm in the bronchi and intensifies inflammation.

Physiotherapeutic treatment

In the treatment of respiratory diseases, physiotherapy works well, the use of which depends on the nature and stage of the disease.

During an exacerbation of attacks, aerosol therapy (inhalation) is used, with the help of which drugs are injected into the patient through inhalation. The most effective are aerosols generated by ultrasound and electro-aerosols. The result of aerosol therapy is achieved by improving the condition of the mucosa, bronchial glands, respiratory function.

To restore the work of the respiratory system is well suited electrophoresis, ultrasound, phonophoresis, magnetotherapy, resulting in increased immunobiological reactivity of the body and improving the overall condition of the patient.

During the exacerbation of diseases, electrosleep and electroanalgesia are prescribed , and hydrotherapy also gives a positive effect.

A good effect is the method of speleotherapy - treatment in the conditions of salt mines, the air of which is impregnated with salts of calcium, sodium, magnesium and negative ions. The session can last from 2 to 9 hours, it all depends on the degree of the disease. During the procedure, the patient can calmly sit, walk, perform basic gymnastic or breathing exercises. With the help of the microclimate during the treatment, the patients undergoes lung purification, improvement of the body's immune system, stimulation of the breathing, improves the work of the heart, normalizes blood circulation.

Complex methods of reflexotherapy (acupuncture), therapeutic massage, swimming pool exercises, at a water temperature of 38 ^° C are also used. Therapeutic exercises allow strengthening the respiratory muscles, improving the ventilation of the lungs and bronchi, which positively affects the patient's condition.

How to remove an attack of suffocation at home?

Not always at hand is the necessary medication, so to take off the attack of choking at home can be with the availability of home remedies. So, for example, the state is significantly improved if:

• make a warm bath. Dip the patient's legs into the pelvis with water and mustard for 10-15 minutes (water temperature about 45 °, mustard - 2 tablespoons). You can just put a mustard plaster on the calves of your legs and chest;
• drink a glass of warm milk with the addition of 1 teaspoon of soda. Also good is the tincture of valerian (15-20 drops) with the addition of a small amount of soda. These two components dilute sputum, breathing becomes easier. A good warm drink helps;
• set fire to dry nettles, mother-and-stepmother, wormwood and inhale the smoke until you feel relief. This recipe removes the most severe attacks of suffocation. Decoctions of herbs during seizures are not recommended, since in some cases they can aggravate an attack due to the concentration in the blood of an antiasthmatic agent.
• make a can of massage. Back of the patient should be smeared with vaseline, put the jar on the lungs and slowly rotate it. The duration of the massage is 1-2 minutes on each side.

If the attack continues for more than one day, you should seek help from a doctor, as there may be irreversible changes in the bronchi, lungs, heart, which leads to an attack of suffocation and to whom. Completely stop the attack can only a doctor.

Alternative treatment

In many countries of the world, medical scientists recognize the effectiveness of alternative therapies and treat them with respect. Of course, one should not avoid qualified care of doctors, however, one can combine the methods of modern medicine with unconventional grandmother's recipes. So, for example, you can prevent attacks of suffocation with the help of the following recipes:

• Onion compress. Rub onion on a grater or chop with a meat grinder, pour the pulp between the shoulder blades, put compress paper on top, wrap it with a warm kerchief. Do not remove the compress for 3 hours.
• Mummy. Dissolve 1 gram of mummy in 1/3 cup of warm milk and add half a teaspoon of honey. Take the mixture before going to bed.
• Spirituous tincture of propolis. Take 30 drops 30-40 minutes before eating.
• Horseradish with lemon juice. 150 grams of horseradish grate and add juice from 2 lemons. Mix everything. Take a teaspoonful while eating. You can drink it with water or tea.

During a severe attack of suffocation it is necessary:

• moisten the cotton napkin with water, put it to your mouth and breathe through it;
• Put your hands and feet in hot water for 10-15 minutes.
• put a tongue under a pinch of sea salt and drink cool water.

There are cases when alternative methods of treatment give the patient a last chance, therefore their application allows achieving the desired results.

[41], [42], [43]

Herbal Treatment

Since ancient times, medicinal herbs have been used to treat respiratory organs. In nature, there are many herbs that improve the performance of the respiratory system of the body. Some species have an expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial effect, dilute sputum and relax the muscles of the respiratory tract. In the alternative medicine, such herbs as thyme, mother and stepmother, medicinal althae, ledum, elecampane, oregano, yarrow, etc., were widely used. It is not necessary to list all types of herbs and talk about their medicinal properties. Let's note some kinds of grasses which will help the respiratory system of an organism to cope with attacks of a dyspnea.

Medunitsa (pulmonary). The leaves of this plant resemble man's lungs, and this is symbolic, since the lungwort is used to treat respiratory organs, including the treatment of the lungs. Medunitsa contains a large number of nitrogen-free organic compounds of plant origin (saponins), which facilitates the work of bronchial glands, promotes the dilution of phlegm, relieves inflammation. For medicinal purposes, use flowers, leaves, root and juice of the lungwort. With a long cough with attacks of suffocation, bronchial asthma, lung diseases, use a decoction from the leaves of the lungwort. Shredded leaves (3 tablespoons) pour boiling water (400 ml) and insist for 3 hours. Take 100 ml 4 times a day.

Oregano. Due to the high content of corvacrolum and rosmarinic acid has an indispensable antihistamine and anti-edematous effect. It is used as an expectorant and anti-inflammatory agent for colds, coughs, choking. Put in a thermos 2 tablespoons of chopped herb oregano and pour 2 cups of boiling water. Take ½ cup 2 times a day. Widespread use of alcohol tincture and oregano oil.

Peppermint. The plant contains a large amount of menthol, which positively affects the respiratory system of the body, especially during attacks of suffocation when exhaled. Huge inhalation, lollipops, mint tablets, balms, which facilitate the patient's condition, are very popular. Preparations that have peppermint in their composition, relax the smooth muscles of the respiratory tract, greatly facilitating breathing. For treatment use tea, tinctures, decoctions.

Devyasil. To remove attacks of suffocation, the root of the plant is used, which contains two significant elements - inulin, which has a calming effect on the patency of the bronchi and allantolakton, an indispensable expectorant and antitussive component. Decoctions, tinctures from the root of elecampane have a relaxing effect on the smooth muscles of the trachea. The juice of the root of elecampane, and honey, is equally effective in equal proportions. Take a teaspoon 20 minutes before meals 3 times a day.

It should be noted that phytopreparations do not replace medication. In therapy, they are used to support and prevent seizures.

Homeopathy

Patients with bronchial asthma or other diseases causing asthma attacks refer to homeopathic preparations with extreme caution, one might say with mistrust. This is an erroneous opinion, since the effect of treatment depends on a qualified homeopathic doctor who prescribes treatment and from the patient himself, who must comply with all the doctor's recommendations. Drug medications that relieve asthma attacks have many side effects that can not be avoided. The task of homeopathic remedies is to get rid of the symptoms of the disease. When treating, it is necessary to take into account three main factors - spasm, fear, allergic reactions. When setting the treatment, the homeopathic doctor pays special attention to the patient's mental state, taking into account the panic and fear during the attacks of suffocation. Gathering anamnesis provides an opportunity to find out all the details and symptoms of an attack and find the right drug.

The drug Bryonia (Bryonia alba L) is prescribed for bronchitis, bronchial asthma, bronchopneumonia, pleurisy and other diseases. Bryonia helps to reduce dry cough, attacks of dyspnea, cough with sputum expectoration, and also reduce irritability and calm the nervous system of the body. The form of release - granules D3, C3, and above, ointment, oil.

Doses: with bronchial asthma children from 3 years of granules D3 up to 6 divisions, adults from 6 divisions and above. When lung disease is recommended to apply ointment and oil, rubbing the chest and back of the patient.

Tartafedrelle N is used for inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. Form release: transparent drops with a pleasant odor, appoint from 10 drops 3 times a day. If the disease worsens, take 10 drops every 15 minutes for 2 hours. Treatment continues for 4 weeks, the increase in the course is possible only according to the doctor's prescription.

Traumeel C - anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antiexudative homotoxic drug of complex action, is used for inflammation of the respiratory system of the body. The drug is prescribed intramuscularly for 1 ampoule per day, with the exacerbation of the disease can be applied to 2 ampoules per day. After arresting the disease, tablets of traumeel C are prescribed (1 tablet 3 times a day).

Dulcamara (Dulcamara) - a complex preparation of homeopathic action is used for chronic bronchitis, dry cough, asthma accompanied by a damp cough. The basis of the drug is extract from the leaves and stems of the sweet-bitter nightshade. Dulcamara enjoys good reviews among people in severe climatic conditions associated with dampness, cold, and also prone to frequent respiratory system diseases from raw fresh air.

Prevention

To reduce the frequency of asthma attacks and prevent diseases, it is necessary to observe prevention, which is as follows:

• conduct wet cleaning, regularly ventilate the room;
• get rid of carpets and carpets, regularly change bed linens, pillows;
• adhere to a strict diet, exclude from the diet foods that cause allergies;
• use electronic air purification systems, using air conditioners, fans, ionizers and humidifiers;
• identify an allergen that causes attacks of choking and get rid of it;
• regularly engage in respiratory gymnastics, you can inflate balloons;
• spend more time outdoors;
• avoid colds, viral infections, etc .;
• to protect the mucous membrane from external factors before bedtime take a tablet of bromhexine or ambroxol;
• closely monitor the body, take into account the first symptoms of the disease, carry out timely diagnosis and treatment of diseases that cause suffocation.

[44], [45], [46], [47], [48]

Forecast

The prognosis is determined by the frequency, nature of the attack, but more emphasis is placed on the underlying disease that caused the attack of suffocation. A favorable prognosis is observed with systematic dispensary observation and properly selected treatment, which allows patients to maintain their working capacity and a satisfactory state of health. In severe infectious complications, progressive pulmonary heart failure, in most cases, a lethal outcome is observed.