Asthma Pain
Approximately 20 million people in the United States suffer from asthma, and many of them are susceptible to dangerous asthma attacks that cut off airflow and present many complications. Pain is one of the most troublesome aspects of an asthma attack. Many asthma sufferers deal with pain as a result of their conditions, and pain worsens with an asthma attack. Asthmatics, though, have some options when dealing with pain associated with their conditions.
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Facts
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Asthma is a chronic condition. It features inflammation of the airways, which results in difficulty breathing. Symptoms associated with asthma attacks vary from individual to individual. Some asthmatics suffer frequent attacks and wheezing and coughing even when there is no attack. Other asthmatics experience almost no symptoms unless an attack is occurring. In addition to shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing, asthma sufferers often deal with various pains related to their conditions. These pains can be constant, but they tend to be most common during and immediately after an attack.
Types
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The most common form of pain in asthmatics is the presence of chest tightness. This chest pain poses a serious concern because its presence might mask more serious chest pain, such as that associated with a heart attack. Some asthmatics also experience back pain and pain in their lungs during breathing. As well, inflammation of the airways, which is worse when asthmatics suffer significant episodes of coughing, causes pain that sometimes leads to sore throats.
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Causes
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Pain-inducing asthma attacks occur for many different reasons. One common cause is respiratory infection. These infections, frequently resulting from a cold or flu, can lead to painful attacks for asthmatics. Pain associated with these attacks includes back pain, chest tightness, lung pain and painful inflammation of the airways, which is worsened by the violent coughing asthma sufferers often experience, particularly during a respiratory infection.
Misconceptions
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Some asthma sufferers subscribe to over-the-counter medications to treat some of their symptoms, particularly those that cause pain and discomfort. According to Dr. Phillip E. Korenblat of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, though, some over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications can lead to more problems. Korenblat says one out of five asthmatics suffer worsening of symptoms when they consume some medications, including ibuprofen, aspirin and some medications to treat colds, sinus infections and indigestion. These drugs often contain substances that cause allergic reactions in asthma sufferers. According to Korenblat, the use of acetaminophen poses far less of a concern for asthma sufferers than other anti-inflammatory medications.
Treatment
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The key to treating asthma pain is to treat what causes the asthma attacks that bring about painful reactions. Because many anti-inflammatory medications are not recommended for treatment of pain, asthmatics need other options. Home-therapy options include relaxation therapy, which has shown to reduce pain in some instances, and hot and cold treatments. Many doctors prescribe a combination of long-term medications and quick-relief medications for asthma sufferers to help them counter attacks and associated pain. Common drugs include inhalers filled with quick-relief medications such as albuterol, a bronchodilator. These drugs ease breathing by relaxing the airway muscles. The relaxed muscles lead to less coughing and wheezing and allow for the airways to heal, which reduces pain. In many cases, these inhaler drugs are combined with doses of corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation in the airways and promote healing and the elimination of pain caused by asthmatic attacks.
Warning
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Assuming that chest pain is related to asthma can be a serious mistake. It is possible that the chest pain is caused by another condition, such as angina or a heart attack. Seek medical attention to determine the cause of chest pain. Asthma sufferers also should consult a doctor before using any medications to treat pain associated with asthma.
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References
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