Can Severe Asthma Cause Chest Pain? Get All Your Answers Here!

On a lovely sunny day, you went hiking with your friends. Everything was fine until one of them began to gasp for air. They find it hard to speak, and their face starts to turn pale! You’re clueless about what’s happening, and none of your friends even know what to do. Well, such a terrifying scenario occurs with people struggling with asthma. It can sometimes also happen without any warning. Learning about asthma, what causes asthma, and how to prevent an asthma attack or manage it can be the only difference between a great day with your friends and an emergency room. Even severe asthma can be managed with the correct knowledge. Keep reading and stay well-informed for yourself and your loved one! 

What is Asthma?

It is a chronic lung condition that leads to frequent breathing issues. It can affect people of all ages, often starting in childhood but can even start in adulthood. As of now, there’s no cure, but a few simple tips to control the signs of asthma. This helps asthma patients to live a fulfilling life. Severe asthma can have serious complications, and you must see a healthcare professional right away. The WHO estimates that over 339 million people worldwide are currently affected by asthma, with the majority of deaths occurring among older adults (Source: WHO, 2020). 

Types of Asthma

Asthma is categorized into 2 main types. This depends on what triggers it and how severe the asthma symptoms are. It is classified as: 

• Intermittent: Flares up sporadically between normal breaths. 

• Persistent: In this type, you have the symptoms most of the time. They can vary from mild to severe asthma. Your healthcare professional determines the severity on the basis of how frequent the symptoms are and how they impact your daily life.  
  
  

Different Causes of Asthma

• Allergic: Allergies in a few patients can cause an asthma attack. Allergens like pet dander, pollen, and mold.  

• Non-allergic: Stress, getting sick, exercise, and weather changes can lead to asthma flare-ups.
  
  

It can even be classified by when it starts:  

• Adult-onset: This begins when you turn 18.  

• Pediatric: It is also called childhood asthma. This typically starts before age 5 and can also occur in babies.
  
  

Some other Types of Asthma

• Exercise-induced asthma: This is mainly triggered by physical activity.  

• Occupational asthma: This usually impacts those whose work exposes them to some irritating substances.  

• Asthma-COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS): This happens when you have both COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma, making breathing difficult for you.  
  
  

What is an Asthma Attack? 

When you breathe, the muscles around your airways usually stay relaxed, allowing air to move in and out without any problem. During an asthma attack, several things happen that make breathing difficult:

• Bronchospasm: The muscles around your airways tighten, making the tubes narrower and causing difficulty in airflow.
• Inflammation: The lining of your airways becomes swollen, further narrowing the air passages.
• Mucus production: Your body produces extra mucus, which can clog the airways.
  
  

These factors make it hard for you to breathe, often resulting in a wheezing sound. Severe asthma attacks, also known as flare-ups, mean your asthma symptoms are worsening. 

Symptoms of Asthma 

If you might have asthma, you can notice clear signs. These may seem similar to other breathing issues or cold.  

• Pressure, tightness, or pain in your chest 

• Coughing (worse at night)  

• Feeling like you are short of breath 

• Wheezing 
  
  

You may not encounter all these symptoms each time you have an asthma attack. But ignoring them might lead to severe asthma.  

How to Prevent Asthma Attacks? 

Learn about your triggers and try to avoid them.  

• Allergies: If things such as pollen or dust trigger your asthma, try your best to keep yourself away from them.  

• Smoke: If you smoke, then quitting it right away can help you prevent flare-ups. Also, avoid secondhand smoke. Smoking is one of the major risk factors for severe asthma.  

• Weather: If instant changes in weather or cold air bother your lungs, wear a scarf over your face during such times.  
• Illness: The flu and colds can worsen your asthma. Get a flu vaccine each year, avoid contact with sick people, and wash your hands often. 
  
  

Disclaimer: Please note that the information is strictly for informative purposes. It is not intended to be used in lieu of professional medical advice, inclusive of diagnosis or treatment. It is strongly advised that you seek a doctor’s medical advice on any treatment or medical condition that you learn about.