Does Oxygen Help with Asthma
Not being able to breathe is frightening since low oxygen levels can be life-threatening. This precisely occurs during an asthma attack, and if you have asthma or are a caregiver for a child with asthma, you may be wondering what can help you feel more prepared, informed, and at ease. This article will help you learn more about asthma and asthma attacks. It will also explain whether oxygen can help with asthma symptoms and how it might improve breathing during an attack.
What is Asthma?
Asthma, a chronic lung disease, is characterized by inflammation, narrowed airways, and excessive mucus. People with asthma often experience various respiratory symptoms, including wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and sleep apnea. These can also affect other areas of life, and for example, can create difficulty sleeping or participating in certain physical activities, such as running or spending time outdoors, depending on the severity of someone’s condition and how well it’s managed. Common reasons for asthma include genetics, allergies, environmental irritants, such as air pollution or smoke, physical activity, or stress.
What is an asthma attack?
While mild to moderate asthma symptoms may be present from time to time when triggered by allergies, exercise, or polluted air, they can usually be well-managed with long-term, quick-relief medication or rest and are no major cause for concern. However, during an asthma attack, breathing difficulties worsen significantly and can become life-threatening if they aren’t treated immediately or your medication doesn’t work right away. An asthma attack is characterized by a worsening of the symptoms mentioned above, as well as a tightening of the breathing muscles. Other signs of an asthma attack include:
Rapid breathing
Chest pain
Coughing fits
Difficulty speaking
Gasping for air
Sweating
Does Oxygen Help with Asthma?
In emergency situations, such as during a severe asthma attack, oxygen can help a person breathe temporarily if oxygen levels drop too low and other medications have not yet taken effect. This is typically done in the emergency room of a hospital, where the patient is connected to an oxygen tank until their oxygen levels and breathing are normalized. Rarely, individuals with very severe asthma, often alongside another lung condition like COPD, are prescribed an oxygen tank for home use. They may keep it for emergencies and use it as needed, such as during sleep or an acute attack, to stay prepared.
However, it's vital to remember that oxygen is not meant for long-term use in most people and does not address the inflammation and airway tightening that cause asthma. Oxygen should only be used as emergency breathing support, not as a substitute for regular asthma medication, which works well for most people.
What are Other Ways of Treating Asthma?
Although asthma and especially a full-blown asthma attack are frightening and can be dangerous, luckily, there are many ways to manage and treat asthma long-term and stay prepared to resolve symptoms quickly during an attack. Some of these methods may include the following:
Avoiding asthma triggers (such as pollen, pollution, and strong scents)
Low-impact exercise
Weight loss
Quitting smoking
Enough Sleep
Balanced diet
Daily medication (e.g. Singulair and Accolate
Emergency medication (e.g. Ventulin HFA Inhaler)
Trying out a combination of these methods while remembering that oxygen is an effective short-term option during a severe asthma attack will help you determine what works best for you, keep you prepared, and put your mind at ease.
