While things that irritate the lungs are not the same as allergies, a very common lung irritant would be a respiratory infection. Smoke is another irritant whether from cigarettes or cigars or pipes. Some drugs are also classified as irritants and even some symptoms of PMS can be an irritant. The weather might also irritate asthma especially if you exercise. In addition, the stress of laughing and crying, automobile fumes, smog, chemicals, and perfumes, are all considered irritants.
Having an acute asthma attack should be considered something that is very serious. Not everyone is aware of what is meant by an acute asthma attack and how serious it might be for the person who suffers from asthma. Having a good understanding of just what acute asthma is could help you to understand the seriousness of the disease.
Acute asthma comes suddenly and is usually caused by an allergy or an infection. If you already have an asthma plan in effect then the effects are not as severe. Otherwise, these attacks can prove to be very deadly since even some of the fast working medications may not work and can cause a real emergency to exist. The only recourse at that point is to get to the nearest hospital for immediate treatment. Not doing so will only cause the attack to continue since medical treatment is the only way to stop the symptoms. Sometimes inhalers do not work and being educated on how to respond to an attack is the only thing that could save a life.
Someone who is having a severe asthma attack may not be able to walk or talk without experiencing shortness of breath and might be continuously coughing. Difficulty focusing or feeling confused and having the lips turn blue are other symptoms of an asthma attack. Sometimes if you can sit or stand or reposition yourself in some way, it might help if you are having an attack. Experiencing some of these symptoms may be an indication that you may be going into respiratory failure and should seek medical assistance. An inhaler might not be adequate at this point.
More aggressive treatment may be needed and medical personnel may need to provide it, if only while the attack lasts and until the airways are open and the lungs are able to function normally again. After an assessment by the doctor you should be ready to leave the hospital because you were treated in time. Prolonging going to the hospital might mean a longer stay to make sure that you are no longer in any danger.