Asthma is a chronic respiratory disorder characterized by labored breathing and wheezing. This results from narrowed and blocked air passages. Asthma attacks can be triggered by things that you breathe in your surroundings, like house dust or cigarette smoke. Animal dander from cats and dogs may also trigger asthma. Sometimes a common cold or other respiratory infection can trigger an asthma attack. Illness and stress may lead to an attack.

When an asthma attack occurs, the bronchial tubes that bring air to and from the lungs produce more than normal amounts of mucous. This mucous is very thick and sticky. It tends to block the airways making it harder to breathe. The bronchial tubes swell and the muscles in the bronchial tubes tighten. This blocking and narrowing of the airways makes it even more difficult to breathe. Bronchodilators, such as albuterol, are medicines prescribed to help stop an asthma attack once it has started. These drugs help keep your lung airways open. Inhaled or oral steroids such as cortisone and prednisone may bring relief in acute attacks or prevent them from happening.

Asthma attacks can be mild, moderate, or severe. They can start suddenly, or occur over time. A severe asthma attack requires immediate medical help. Take your asthma medication as prescribed and have someone take you to your health care provider's office, or to the emergency department. If no one is available to take you, dial 911. The important thing is to get medical help right away. During a severe attack, you may have difficulty breathing and talking. You may also notice your lips and fingernails may turn dusky blue.

Mild and moderate attacks are the most common. Usually, you will feel your chest tighten, and you might bring up mucous from your chest. Because of the narrowing airways, you might also hear a wheezy, whistling sound, especially when you exhale. If you are being treated by a healthcare provider for asthma, and you have a mild or moderate asthma attack like this, take the asthma medicine as prescribed. This is usually a puff or two from an inhaled bronchodilator and or steroid. If the medicine does not work after the time indicated, call your healthcare provider.

Take your medicine as prescribed. See your healthcare provider regularly. Become familiar with and avoid your asthma "triggers". If you want to learn more about asthma, contact the American Lung Association at (800) LUNG-USA.

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