Choking attacks

Choking in all its manifestations never appears without reason. It is a rather dangerous symptom, in some cases even fatal. When choking, a person experiences an acute shortness of air, severe shortness of breath, severe chest pain. In medicine, this condition is called "asphyxia".

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Causes choking attack

Asphyxiation attacks can occur in both sick and completely healthy people, so first of all it is necessary to find out the reason for their occurrence.

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Pathogenesis

The pathogenesis of bronchial asthma is based on 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 mucous membrane of the bronchial tree.

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

The pathophysiological stage of an allergic reaction is characterized by the synergistic action of biological substances, which causes a spasm of smooth muscles, relaxes the tone of the vascular walls, increases their permeability, and causes swelling of the surrounding tissues. At the same time, the secretion of mucus by bronchial goblet cells increases, the level of histamine increases, which promotes the influx of eosinophilic granulocytes into the site of allergic inflammation.

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

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Symptoms 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 increases;
• dizziness;
• darkening of the vision;
• psychomotor agitation;
• heart rate increases.

The second stage of disease symptoms:

• breathing rhythm disturbances;
• inability to perform a forced exhalation;
• breathing is slow;
• blood pressure drops;
• decreased heart rate;
• a bluish tint appears on the fingers, toes, tip of the nose, and lips.

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

• failure of the respiratory center with cessation of breathing from several seconds to several minutes;
• spinal and ocular reflexes are weakened;
• blood pressure drops to the point of collapse;
• loss of consciousness.

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

Over time, with frequent attacks of suffocation, a pathognomonic symptom called "barrel chest" may be observed. Heavy, labored breathing increases the volume of the lungs, causing the chest to expand. Emphysema develops - a disease in which the alveoli of the lungs are unable to contract completely, resulting in insufficient oxygen entering the blood.

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

There is amphibiotic asphyxia, caused by sudden pain in the chest area and severe difficulty breathing.

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First signs

The first signs of suffocation include:

• Shortness of breath. Attacks may occur due to an allergic reaction, from house dust, plants, animals, or prolonged exposure to the outdoors. Particular attention should be paid to the sudden onset of shortness of breath.
• Cough. In this case, a dry cough is dangerous. A person has a feeling that he cannot cough up, and only after a long cough does scanty sputum appear. In some cases, cough appears together with shortness of breath.
• Rapid breathing with a prolonged exhalation. During an attack of suffocation, it is difficult for a person not only to inhale air, but also to exhale. Moreover, breathing is held and it seems impossible to exhale. Panic may occur.
• Sudden wheezing during breathing. The wheezing is whistling in nature and can sometimes be heard from a distance.
• Chest pain. There is a feeling of tightness and pain in the chest. There is an imaginary retraction (reduction in volume) of the muscles.
• Change in appearance. The face becomes pale, the lips and fingertips turn blue, and speech may be difficult.

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Cough with attacks of suffocation

In medicine, there is a definition of "cough asthma", the cause of which can be acute respiratory diseases, flu, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis. Also, the manifestation of cough with attacks of suffocation is observed in smokers, during physical exertion.

Attacks of coughing with signs of suffocation appear at any time of the day, but are most often observed at night. At first there may be snoring, then breathing is accompanied by a specific whistle, causing a strong cough.

Cough can be provoked by allergens, pollutants (environmental pollutants), frequent colds, cold air, strong odors, etc.

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

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Allergic asthma attack

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

• persistent 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;
• heavy, constrained breathing (hypoxia);

The following respiratory allergens may be the cause of an allergic asthma attack:

• pollen and plant color;
• pet hair;
• dust mites;
• food products;
• household chemicals;
• medicines, etc.

An attack of suffocation due to allergies appears suddenly. A person may be completely at rest and not be subject to physical exertion. Breathing immediately becomes hard, gradually becomes difficult, a dry cough with expectorating white sputum appears.

The body's reaction to an allergen can be different. These are:

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

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Night attacks of suffocation

Paroxysmal (night) suffocation 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. Such symptoms are a signal of the first signs of chronic diseases, such as:

• Chronic heart failure (CHF).
• Bronchial asthma.
• Arrhythmia. Nighttime suffocation may be a consequence of atrial fibrillation, which is characterized by unsystematic excitation of cardiac muscle fibers. In this case, a disturbance in the pulse rate is observed.
• Overweight. Shortness of breath at night is common among overweight people.

An attack of suffocation with difficulty exhaling

An attack of suffocation with difficulty exhaling may be caused by spasms of small bronchi and bronchioles. The cause of difficulty exhaling, causing suffocation, may be:

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

There are mild, moderate and severe forms of asthma attacks, accompanied by difficulty exhaling.

In a mild form, shortness of breath is observed, which occurs when walking quickly, when slightly excited, etc. The breathing rate increases, and wheezing sounds appear when exhaling.

The average form involves strong arousal, which involves the accessory muscles. The respiratory rate increases significantly, and ringing wheezing sounds appear, which can be heard from a distance.

A severe form is observed during an attack of suffocation, when the respiratory rate exceeds 30 per 1 minute. The patient is in an excited state, there is a dry cough, breathing is difficult, especially when exhaling.

It should be noted that an asthma attack with difficulty exhaling is one of the main diagnostic signs of bronchial asthma. Moreover, with frequent asthma attacks, asthmatic status develops, which is characterized by obstruction (blockage) of the bronchi. Asthmatic status develops with a long attack of bronchial asthma. The patient develops loud breathing with difficulty exhaling. An attack of expiratory dyspnea, increasing cyanosis, tachycardia develops. Sometimes symptoms of heart failure appear. This is a very dangerous condition that threatens the patient's life.

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Sudden attack of suffocation

A sudden attack of suffocation is very frightening for both the patient and those around him. If the attack has appeared for the first time, then it is necessary to find out the reason for its appearance. A sudden attack of suffocation can be the first sign of the development of such diseases as:

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

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

The cause of suffocation can be severe stress, physical exertion, overeating. Often the attack occurs at night. The person wakes up from lack of air. He is unable to take a breath, 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, which causes a reflex spasm of the bronchioles. The final conclusion can only be made after a bronchoscopy. Also, a foreign body can cause laryngeal stenosis with an attack of sudden suffocation.

Periodic 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 whistling. In some cases, a dry cough appears.

Such attacks occur when the thyroid gland is not functioning properly, so an endocrinologist consultation is necessary. You should also consult an ENT (otolaryngologist), pulmonologist and cardiologist, since such symptoms may be associated with heart disease, respiratory diseases and spasms of the laryngeal muscles.

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

Attacks of suffocation due to nervousness

Diseases that arise from stress are called psychosomatic disorders in medicine. According to medical statistics, approximately 50% of cases of bronchial asthma and allergic diseases arise from nervous disorders. Neuropsychiatric diseases in most cases cause asthma attacks.

Neurogenic respiratory disorders such as hyperventilation syndrome, panic attacks, reactive psychoses, 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, or related to children's problems often cause anxiety, panic, and fear. These events cause dry cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, and asthma attacks. Stressful situations are considered the most common symptom of bronchial asthma. Asthmoid conditions or nervous asthma first cause a breakdown of the nervous system, and only after that significant changes in the bronchi and lungs are observed.

An attack of suffocation can be provoked by pathological conditions of the digestive system. As a result of a nervous disorder, the muscular activity of the esophagus is disrupted. A spasm of the larynx is observed, a "lump in the throat" appears, which causes suffocation.

Often during a neurotic disorder, pain in the intercostal space is observed, which patients mistakenly consider a heart attack.

Attacks of suffocation due to nervousness are reduced if a person does not think about problems and is distracted by other things.

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Choking attacks in a child

Choking attacks in children can be caused by:

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

Choking may develop due to a lack of calcium salts in the body, rickets, or postpartum trauma.

During an attack of suffocation, the child's facial and neck muscles tense up, and the head is thrown back. The face becomes red, gradually acquiring a blue tint, on which small drops of cold sweat appear. Symptoms such as vomiting, coughing, increased salivation, and shortness of breath appear. There are cases of loss of consciousness and temporary respiratory arrest.

Choking in children due to uncontrolled emotions occurs due to spasm of the larynx muscles. Usually such attacks pass on their own and end with an extended inhalation. The help of a child psychologist is recommended.

A strong cough provokes swelling of the larynx, which can result in an attack of suffocation. The child should not be left alone, especially at night. Consultation with an otolaryngologist is required.

A foreign body in the larynx or trachea is life-threatening, since obstruction of the respiratory tract can lead to asphyxia. The nature and size of the foreign body play a major role. Metal and plastic objects pose less of a threat than objects of plant origin, such as nuts, seeds, leaf fragments, etc. A sharp cough, shortness of breath, hoarseness of voice, wheezing and heavy inhalation begin.

The child needs first aid. Turn him over your knee and slap him several times on the back in the shoulder blade area. If the attack does not pass, turn the child facing you and press on the chest with your palm. Otherwise, the foreign body will have to be removed using rigid tracheobronchoscopy. The child's life depends on the correct actions and speed of assistance.

Allergies can occur from the first days of life. Allergy-related asthma attacks are usually a sign of a dangerous chronic disease. Children with bronchitis are susceptible to a condition called bronchospasm in medicine. The child suffocates, cannot take a breath, and tries to cough. Obstruction occurs suddenly, as a result of the bronchial tubes reacting to irritants that are quite difficult to detect. This can be a reaction to mold, strong odors, household chemicals, pets, etc. In such cases, doctors recommend doing nothing and immediately calling an ambulance. Children with bronchospasm who have taken a dose of antiallergic drugs are often admitted to intensive care. Therefore, only a doctor should provide assistance. In each specific case, an individual approach is required to treatment methods.

Recent medical studies have proven the connection between allergic diseases in children and viral infections. Poor ecology and weather changes increase the risk. These factors can provoke asthma attacks in children.

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Complications and consequences

The consequences of an asthma attack are as follows:

• air is retained in the lungs, which results in a disturbance in the breathing rhythm, especially when exhaling. The rate of breathing accelerates as the body tries to compensate for the lack of oxygen;
• the productivity of the respiratory muscles decreases. The body tries to restore breathing using auxiliary muscles;
• the pulse and heartbeat quicken;
• due to the reduced oxygen content, the level of carbon dioxide in the blood rises sharply. The skin takes on a blue tint;
• due to a lack of oxygen in the blood, the brain cannot perform its functions, and loss of consciousness occurs;
• convulsions begin, foam may appear at the mouth;

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

Pulmonary complications include:

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

Extrapulmonary complications are:

• brain dysfunction;
• heart failure;
• gastrointestinal tract disorders;
• other violations.

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

Hyperinflation (sharp inflation) is characterized by an irreversible flow of air into the lungs. The disease cannot be cured, it can only be stopped.

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

Emphysema of the lungs is an insufficient expansion of the alveoli of the lungs, which results in a disruption of the supply of oxygen to the blood and the removal of carbon dioxide. The consequence of the disease may be heart failure.

Asthmatic status is a severe and prolonged attack of suffocation. Sputum accumulates in the bronchioles of the lungs, which leads to edema, hypoxia, and suffocation.

Atelectasis is a disorder of the alveoli in the bronchi, as a result of the accumulation of mucus, which results in the disruption of ventilation of the lungs. Patients experience constant shortness of breath, with characteristic signs of suffocation.

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

Doctors consider the most severe pathology to be the dysfunction of the brain. The fact is that with any changes in the blood composition (insufficient oxygen saturation, increased carbon dioxide content), there is a disruption of the brain activity, loss of consciousness, memory, fainting, etc. Irreversible processes often occur, such as dementia (encephalopathy), disruption of the processes of perception, thinking, and psyche.

Gastrointestinal disturbances occur as a result of side effects of medications used to treat and stop asthma attacks.

During an attack of shortness of breath, severe coughing, suffocation, the patient may experience cases of fecal and urinary incontinence. This is due to increased intra-abdominal pressure and weakening of the sphincters. Weak perineal muscles can provoke prolapse of the rectum. Hernias may also appear, and in some cases, rupture of internal organs may occur, followed by bleeding.

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Diagnostics choking attack

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

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

At the first stage of diagnostics, the patient is examined by auscultation of the lungs, blood pressure and pulse are measured. Based on complaints, the main signs of the disease, anamnesis data are identified, and a preliminary diagnosis is determined. Anamnesis collection involves information about the genetic data of close relatives suffering from bronchial asthma or allergic diseases. Also, asthma attacks can be associated with specific factors, such as increased physical activity, seasonal flowering of plants, animal hair, cold air, etc. It is not always possible to make the correct diagnosis at the initial stage of the disease. An important point in examining the patient is auscultation of breathing, when strong wheezing of the lungs is heard, especially during an exacerbation. During the abatement of attacks, wheezing occurs with a strong inhalation, and is heard in the basal part of the lungs. During tapping of the lungs (percussion), a sound with a box shade appears.

Laboratory diagnostic methods include collecting blood, urine, and sputum samples, spirography, provocative tests, and allergy tests. For example, a blood test can help identify eosinophilia, and by examining the functions of external respiration and conducting allergy tests, other possible diseases can be ruled out.

Instrumental diagnostics involves mandatory X-ray, bronchoscopic examination, ECG, computed tomography of the lungs, as well as radiological examination methods.

The main procedures in diagnosing asthma attacks are spirography and peak flowmetry. Spirometry can be used to assess the condition of the patient's lungs by determining the speed and volume of exhaled air. Peak flowmetry determines the peak speed of exhalation. The measurement is taken in the morning using a peak flow meter. In just a few minutes, the correct diagnosis of the disease can be assumed or determined.

Early diagnosis is of great importance, as treatment may be more effective in the early stages of the disease.

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Tests

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 effective treatment. During a medical examination, the doctor offers the patient to do the following tests.

• A general blood test that determines the amount of eosinophils in the blood. In bronchial asthma, which causes asthma attacks, high levels of eosinophils, erythrocytes and hemoglobin, and a low level of leukocytes are characteristic. During asthma attacks, the ESR almost always remains normal, an increase in this indicator is observed only in cases of infection, the number of neutrophils and a shift in the leukocyte formula to the left.
• Sputum analysis is mandatory, since sputum contains a high concentration of epithelial cells, Charcot-Leyden crystals (thin crystals formed from the enzyme of eosinophils), Curschmann spirals formed from viscous mucus, twisted into a spiral. An increased content of neutrophils characterizes the infectious nature of the disease, and eosinophils - an allergic one. Sputum is mucous, in some cases with pus and blood.
• Allergy tests using skin application tests and scarification tests are quite effective. They identify the allergen that triggers the chain of allergic reactions that result in asthma attacks.
• General stool analysis, which may reveal a parasitic invasion. Ascaris (dioecious worms capable of damaging the walls of the small intestine) in the development stage pass through the circulatory system of the lungs, causing a weakening of the immune system, intoxication, and an allergic reaction of the body.

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Instrumental diagnostics

Instrumental diagnostics allows to obtain 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 diagnostics is radiography, which can be used to detect the following abnormalities:

• changes in lung tissue;
• areas of compaction;
• the presence of air or fluid in the pleural cavity;
• enlargement of the vessels located in the roots of the lungs;
• intensity of pulmonary pattern;
• other pathological processes.

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

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

Bronchoscopy diagnoses the condition of the bronchi if there is a suspicion of tumors or foreign bodies, as well as cavities and abscesses of the lungs.

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

Electrocardiogram (ECG) – reveals cardiac overload, especially in the elderly. This may be a block of the right bundle branch of the His bundle, a load on the right side of the heart, ischemia, extrasystole, dysfunction of the left side.

Differential diagnosis

Differential diagnostics should take into account all clinical symptoms - shortness of breath, cough, asthma attacks, typical of other diseases. Not always asthma attacks are associated with bronchial asthma. Similar symptoms are present in other diseases, such as:

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

Let's look at some of the listed diseases in more detail.

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

In the presence of a foreign body, attacks of suffocation similar to bronchial asthma may occur, while wheezing in the lungs is not heard.

In medicine, there is a condition called hysterical asthma. This condition is familiar to young women who have a disordered nervous system. In this case, an attack of suffocation is associated with hysterical crying, laughter or loud moaning. During the active movement of the chest, there are increased inhalations and exhalations. Signs of obstruction and wheezing in the lungs are absent.

Treatment choking attack

Sequence of actions of a doctor when providing emergency care:

• diagnose the patient;
• record the duration and severity of the asthma attack;
• select the drug, the correct dose and form of administration.
• determine the further plan for hospitalization and treatment of the patient.

Initial stage of emergency care:

1. Call an ambulance immediately;
2. Remove clothing from the chest area and throat, provide access to fresh air;
3. Monitoring body temperature, respiratory rate (number of inhalations and exhalations per minute), peak expiratory flow rate (recorded after a deep inhalation);

Treatment for mild attack:

1. Inhalation of berodual, ipratropium bromide or other bronchodilators using an aerosol inhaler
2. Inhalation using a nebulizer, 20-40 drops of berodual per 3 ml of saline solution.
3. Oxygen therapy (warm and humidified oxygen).

The effect of therapy is assessed after 20 minutes.

Treatment for moderate attacks:

1. Oxygen therapy;
2. Inhalation of bronchospasmolytic drugs (ventolin 1 ampoule 2.5 mg; berodual 10 drops);
3. If the effect is insufficient, 2.4% euphyllin is recommended.

Relief comes within 20 minutes.

Severe attack:

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

If an attack of suffocation develops, urgent hospitalization in a hospital department is necessary.

Medicines

Adrenaline is effective in relieving an attack of suffocation. If the patient develops a state of shock or anaphylactic shock, the administration of adrenaline is mandatory, since in this case it is the first resuscitation agent. This drug has a stimulating effect on adrenergic receptors. To stop an attack of suffocation, adrenaline is administered subcutaneously. The dose of the drug is determined by the patient's body weight. Less than 60 kg - 0.3 ml of 0.1% solution (0.3 mg). If there is no improvement in the condition, the injection can be repeated after 20 minutes. It can be repeated no more than three times. Adrenaline in combination with pituitrin P (astmolysin) has a good effect. 0.2 ml is administered subcutaneously.

To alleviate the patient's condition when providing first aid, ephedrine is used. The drug begins to act 30 minutes after administration, but the effect lasts up to 4 hours. It is administered intramuscularly or subcutaneously at 0.5 - 1.0 ml of a 5% solution. Ephedrine is used to prevent asthma attacks and at the first symptoms of the disease. It is enough to take 0.025 g tablets 2 times a day. Side effects such as increased agitation, rapid heartbeat, sweating, and increased blood pressure are possible.

Euphyllin relaxes the bronchial muscles, reduces the diaphragm of the lungs, stimulates the respiratory process, improves alveolar ventilation, which significantly reduces the attack of suffocation. Euphyllin also has a positive effect on the cardiovascular system of the body, reduces the tone of blood vessels, lowers the pressure in the "small" circle of blood circulation, has a peripheral venodilating effect. Euphyllin plays an important role in the treatment of bronchospasm. It is administered intravenously 3 mg per 1 kg of weight or drip.

When relieving asthma attacks, a group of inhaled glucocorticosteroid hormones is used. The drugs have anti-inflammatory properties, regular use significantly improves the condition of patients, reducing the frequency of asthma attacks. The most popular and in-demand drugs are:

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

Beclomethasone dipropionate (Aldecin, Beclojet, Becotide, Klenil, Beclazone, Nasobek, Eco Easy Breathing). One dose of the inhaler contains 50, 100 or 250 mcg. Use 2-4 times a day. (200-1000 mcg/day).

Fluticasone propionate (Flixotide) 1 dose contains 50, 100 or 250 mcg of the drug. Prescribed 1-2 doses 2 times a day.

Vitamins

To ease the patient's condition during asthma attacks, the body needs vitamins and minerals. Let's list some of them.

• Vitamin C (ascorbic acid). The results of clinical studies have shown that vitamin C deficiency increases asthma attacks. For bronchial asthma, cardiac and allergic asthma attacks, 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 significantly alleviates the attack. 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 your diet. These are citrus fruits, strawberries, rose hips, red and green peppers, cabbage, black currants, etc.
• Vitamin B ₆ (pyridoxine). Patients with bronchial asthma have low levels of pyridoxine (B ₆ ). This is due to the use of drugs that expand the airways (bronchodilators), which contain theophylline. The 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 extremities. In some cases, nervous excitement is observed. Products rich in vitamin B ₆ are nuts, beans, liver, chicken, fish (mackerel, tuna), pomegranate, etc.
• Vitamin B _12. According to medical research, vitamin B ₁₂ helps to ease breathing in asthma patients. It is recommended to take 1 mg of the drug once a week. Continue treatment for 4 weeks, then gradually reduce the dose to once a month. The frequency of administration is no more than 4 months. Vitamin B ₁₂ is recommended to be taken only under the supervision of a doctor. It is advisable to eat foods such as meat, eggs, sour cream, liver, fish, cheese, etc.
• Vitamin E (tocopherol). Vitamin E has recently been prescribed to asthma patients during treatment. The drug has a positive effect on the heart muscle. Excessive use of vitamin E increases blood pressure. It is recommended to take 200-400 IU for adults and 50-100 IU for children. Asthma patients are advised to include foods rich in vitamin E in their diet. These include beef liver, eggs, cereals, vegetable oil, etc.

Vitamins Omega 3, Omega 9, magnesium, selenium, flavonoids, which can protect the body's cells from damage, will help reduce inflammation in the body. Science has proven that people who eat foods containing vitamins of the above groups are less prone to lung, bronchial, and heart diseases that can cause asthma attacks.

There are many controversies in medical practice regarding vitamin D. Some sources of information claim that vitamin D alleviates the condition of asthma patients. However, recent studies have shown that its action does not affect the effectiveness of therapy, the nature and course of the disease.

Products containing oxalic acid should be eliminated from the diet, as they remove calcium from the body. You should also reduce the consumption of Omega 6 vitamins and hydrogenated fats. Due to these products, the metabolism of arachidonic acid in the blood worsens, which causes spasm of smooth muscle fibers in the bronchi and increases inflammation.

Physiotherapy treatment

In the treatment of respiratory diseases, physiotherapy gives good results, the use of which depends on the nature and stage of the disease.

During exacerbation of attacks, aerosol therapy (inhalation) is used, with the help of which drugs are introduced into the patient's body by inhalation. Aerosols generated by ultrasound and electroaerosols are considered the most effective. The result of aerosol therapy is achieved by improving the condition of the mucous membrane, bronchial glands, and respiratory function.

Electrophoresis, ultrasound, phonophoresis, and magnetic therapy are well suited for restoring the functioning of the respiratory system, as a result of which the body's immunobiological reactivity increases and the general condition of the patient improves.

During exacerbations of diseases, electrosleep and electroanalgesia are prescribed, and hydrotherapy also has a positive effect.

The speleotherapy method has a good effect - treatment in salt mines, the air of which is saturated with calcium, sodium, magnesium and negative ions. A session can last from 2 to 9 hours, depending on the severity of the disease. During the procedure, the patient can sit quietly, walk, do basic gymnastic or breathing exercises. With the help of the microclimate, during the treatment, patients' lungs are cleansed, the body's immune system is improved, breathing is stimulated, heart function improves, and blood circulation is normalized.

Also used are complex methods of reflexology (acupuncture), therapeutic massage, swimming in a pool at a water temperature of 38 ⁰ C. Physical therapy helps to strengthen the respiratory muscles, improve ventilation of the lungs and bronchi, which has a positive effect on the patient's condition.

How to relieve an asthma attack at home?

The necessary medications are not always at hand, so you can relieve an asthma attack at home if you have home remedies. For example, the condition will improve significantly if:

• make a warm bath. Put the patient's feet in a basin with water and mustard for 10-15 minutes (water temperature about 45°, mustard - 2 tablespoons). You can simply put a mustard plaster on the calves of the legs and chest;
• drink a glass of warm milk with 1 teaspoon of soda. Also, valerian tincture (15-20 drops) with a small amount of soda helps well. These two components thin the mucus, making it easier to breathe. Drinking plenty of warm drinks also helps well;
• Set dry nettle, coltsfoot, wormwood on fire and inhale the smoke until you feel relief. This recipe relieves the most severe asthma attacks. It is not recommended to take herbal decoctions during attacks, as in some cases they can worsen the attack due to the concentration of the anti-asthmatic drug in the blood.
• do a cupping massage. The patient's back should be lubricated with Vaseline, place the cup on the lung area and rotate it slowly. Duration of the massage is 1-2 minutes on each side.

If the attack lasts more than one day, you should seek help from a doctor, as irreversible changes in the bronchi, lungs, heart may occur, which entails an attack of suffocation and coma. Only a doctor can completely stop the attack.

Folk remedies

In many countries of the world, medical scientists recognize the effectiveness of traditional methods of treatment and treat them with respect. Of course, you should not avoid qualified medical help, but you can combine modern medicine with non-traditional grandma's recipes. For example, you can prevent asthma attacks with the help of the following recipes:

• Onion compress. Grate the onion or mince it, apply the pulp between the shoulder blades, put some compress paper on top, wrap it in a warm scarf. Do not remove the compress for 3 hours.
• Mumiyo. Dissolve 1 gram of mumiyo in 1/3 cup of warm milk and add half a teaspoon of honey. Take the mixture before bedtime.
• Propolis alcohol tincture. Take 30 drops 30-40 minutes before meals.
• Horseradish with lemon juice. Grate 150 grams of horseradish and add the juice of 2 lemons. Mix everything. Take a teaspoon during meals. Can be washed down with water or tea.

During a severe attack of suffocation it is necessary:

• wet a cotton napkin with water, apply it to your mouth and breathe through it;
• Place your hands and feet in hot water for 10-15 minutes.
• Place a pinch of sea salt under your tongue and wash it down with cool water.

There are cases when traditional methods of treatment give the patient a last chance, so their use allows achieving the desired results.

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Herbal treatment

Medicinal herbs have been used to treat the respiratory system since ancient times. There are many herbs in nature that improve the functioning of the respiratory system. Some species have an expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial effect, thin phlegm and relax the muscles of the respiratory tract. In folk medicine, herbs such as thyme, coltsfoot, marshmallow, wild rosemary, elecampane, oregano, yarrow, etc. are widely used. There is no need to list all the types of herbs and talk about their healing properties. Let us note some types of herbs that will help the respiratory system cope with attacks of suffocation.

Lungwort (pulmonaria). The leaves of this plant resemble human lungs, and this is symbolic, since lungwort is used to treat the respiratory system, including the lungs. Lungwort contains a large amount of nitrogen-free organic compounds of plant origin (saponins), which facilitates the work of the bronchial glands, helps to thin sputum, and relieves inflammation. Flowers, leaves, roots and juice of lungwort are used for medicinal purposes. For prolonged cough with attacks of suffocation, bronchial asthma, and lung diseases, a decoction of lungwort leaves is used. Crushed leaves (3 tablespoons) pour boiling water (400 ml) and leave for 3 hours. Take 100 ml 4 times a day.

Oregano. Due to the high content of corvacrol and rosmarinic acid, it has an irreplaceable antihistamine and decongestant effect. It is used as an expectorant and anti-inflammatory agent for colds, coughs, and suffocation. Put 2 tablespoons of chopped oregano in a thermos and pour 2 cups of boiling water over it. Take ½ cup 2 times a day. Alcohol tincture and oregano oil are widely used.

Peppermint. The plant contains a large amount of menthol, which has a positive effect on the respiratory system of the body, especially during attacks of suffocation when exhaling. Inhalations, lozenges, mint tablets, balms, which alleviate the patient's condition, are very popular. Preparations containing peppermint relax the smooth muscles of the respiratory tract, significantly facilitating breathing. Tea, tinctures, and decoctions are used for treatment.

Elecampane. To relieve asthma attacks, 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 alantolactone, an irreplaceable expectorant and antitussive component. Decoctions, tinctures from the root of elecampane have a relaxing effect on the smooth muscles of the trachea. Elecampane root juice and honey, in equal proportions, help well. Take a teaspoon 20 minutes before meals 3 times a day.

It should be noted that herbal preparations do not replace drug treatment. In therapy, they are used to support and prevent attacks.

Homeopathy

Patients with bronchial asthma or other diseases that cause asthma attacks treat homeopathic medicines with extreme caution, one might even say with distrust. This is a misconception, since the effect of treatment depends on a qualified homeopathic doctor prescribing treatment and on the patient himself, who must follow all the doctor's recommendations. Medicinal products that relieve asthma attacks have many side effects that cannot 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 prescribing treatment, a homeopathic doctor pays special attention to the mental state of the patient, taking into account panic and fear during asthma attacks. Collecting anamnesis makes it possible to find out all the details and symptoms of the attack and choose the right medicine.

The drug Bryonia (Bryonia alba L) is prescribed for bronchitis, bronchial asthma, bronchopneumonia, pleurisy and other diseases. Bryonia will help reduce dry cough, attacks of shortness of breath, cough with expectoration of sputum, as well as reduce irritability and calm the nervous system of the body. Release form - granules D3, C3, and above, ointment, oil.

Doses: for bronchial asthma for children from 3 years old granules D3 up to 6 divisions, for adults from 6 divisions and above. For lung disease it is recommended to use ointment and oil, rubbing the chest and back of the patient.

Tartaphedrel N is used for inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. Release form: transparent drops with a pleasant smell, prescribed 10 drops 3 times a day. In case of exacerbation of the disease, take 10 drops every 15 minutes for 2 hours. Continue treatment for 4 weeks, increasing the course is possible only as prescribed by a doctor.

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

Dulcamara is a complex homeopathic preparation used for chronic bronchitis, dry cough, and asthma accompanied by a wet cough. The basis of the preparation is an extract from the leaves and stems of bittersweet nightshade. Dulcamara enjoys good reviews from people living in harsh climatic conditions associated with dampness, cold, and also prone to frequent respiratory diseases from damp fresh air.

Prevention

To reduce the frequency of asthma attacks and prevent diseases, it is necessary to follow preventive measures, which include the following:

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

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Forecast

The prognosis is determined by the frequency and nature of the attack, but to a greater extent the emphasis is placed on the underlying disease that caused the asthma attack. A favorable prognosis is observed with systematic dispensary observation and properly selected treatment, which allows patients to maintain their ability to work and a satisfactory state of health. In severe infectious complications, progressive pulmonary-cardiac insufficiency, a fatal outcome is observed in most cases.