Final answer:
Asthma exacerbation management requires immediate treatment with fast-acting medications, and signs of impending respiratory failure include cyanosis, confusion, and a rapid pulse, necessitating emergency medical care. Avoidance of triggers and long-term medication regimens are key components of managing asthma severity and attack frequency.
Step-by-step explanation:
During an asthma exacerbation, commonly known as an asthma attack, a patient may experience several symptoms, including coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness. Appropriate management of these attacks is crucial, involving the use of short-term, fast-acting medications such as bronchodilators that are typically administered via an inhaler or, for those who struggle with inhalers, a nebulizer. Environmental factors, including air pollution, allergens, smoke, and extreme temperatures, can trigger these episodes.
Signs of impending respiratory failure during severe asthma attacks include difficulty breathing leading to a blue discoloration of the lips or face (cyanosis), confusion, drowsiness, a rapid pulse, sweating, and severe anxiety. These symptoms warrant immediate medical attention, as they indicate a significant deterioration in the patient's respiratory status.
Identifying and avoiding triggers, along with a treatment regimen that may include long-term control medications, are critical in managing asthma severity and frequency of attacks. Moreover, psychological factors, such as stress, can exacerbate asthma, making comprehensive management that includes both physical and emotional health considerations paramount.