When asthma becomes acute, it can lead to a number of serious complications. Although nebulization can give instant relief during an attack, regular use of prescribed medication is necessary for those with chronic asthma problems. But if the symptoms of asthma still persist or worsen, then it is necessary to consult a doctor immediately.
Signs Of Worsening Asthma
There are some early warning signals that indicate the requirement of immediate care including hospitalization in asthmatic patients. These are:
• Rapid heart rate and respiration
• Persistent sweating
• Cyanosis or blue color in lips and nails
If patients experience any of these symptoms, then they should be hospitalized and given oxygen inhalation therapy along with drug therapy. Asthma may progress to a serious condition gradually or turn into a nearly fatal situation even within minutes. The early warning symptoms or lack of them may not necessarily give an exact indication of the final severity of the attack. Hence monitoring of peak flow rates is important as it presents an exact analysis of your lung function.
Various Complications In Asthma
If asthma is not controlled properly, it can adversely affect the quality of life. It can result in problems like fatigue, absence from work and psychological problems like stress and anxiety. If your asthma is affecting the quality of your life, then you must certainly consult your physician. The doctor may review your asthma plan to improve your condition.
Asthma can also lead to a number of respiratory complications. It can result in problems like pneumonia, respiratory failure and severe asthma attacks that do not respond to treatment. These complications should not be taken lightly as they can be life threatening. In case of acute respiratory failure, the bronchial tubes are completely blocked. Due to this, the lungs neither receive any oxygen supply nor get rid of carbon dioxide. Such patients have to be immediately shifted on ventilators to avoid fatality. Such facilities are available at only larger hospitals.
Asthma can also cause many emotional problems. It is debilitating and frightening often affecting the quality of life. Asthma patients can also suffer from sleep disturbances due to which people may remain absent at work. Asthma is also associated with snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, which is a condition in which there is blockage of upper airway during sleep. Due to this, the patient stops breathing temporarily and resumes breathing after gasps, resulting in sleep disturbance.
Asthma complications in pregnant women can include early labor, hypertension, gestational diabetes and hemorrhage. Asthma in pregnant women also puts their babies at risk of lower birth weight and breathing disorders. Luckily most asthma drugs are safe during pregnancy and a proper asthma management plan can reduce the risk of ill-effects in pregnant women and babies.
In addition to this, the side effects of asthma medicines can also cause some complications. Cortisone drugs or steroids have potential side effects like stunted growth, increased appetite, weight gain, abdominal pain and increased blood pressure. Bronchodilators and decongestants can cause headache, nausea, vomiting and restlessness.
Patients with asthma also face an increased risk of developing acid reflux, which can be prevented by avoiding food and drink several hours prior to bed time. Although asthma complications can have a profound effect on your lifestyle and daily activities, most of these problems are treatable and can be managed with due care and precaution.