Is it normal for someone who has always had asthma to suddenly die from a asthma attck?

Question

my little brother was found on the floor of his bedroom monday night. the only thing we can think of is asthma attak, because otherwise he was a healthy child. we are awaiting the autopsy report. I just cant believe it until i have a reason why he just died without notice.

Answer 1

I'm very sorry for your loss. and my condolensce to your family as well.

Asthma is an antibody (IgE) mediated condition where the smooth muscles are sensitized to several things like dust,pollen, animal fur, etc. So when they come into contact with such allergens, they smooth muscles spasm. Such smooth muscles involved are the ones lining the bronchus (in the lung) - hence the contraction known as Bronchospasm, and lining the blood vessels - contractions known as Vasospasm.

The only thing that can help is drugs; prevention into becoming an attack is using Salbutamol inhalers - which keep the smooth muscles dilated. When this is not met (maybe the drug inside the inhaler is finish, or it wasnt even pumped in) when in contact with a potent allergen, then there is severe bronchospasm which results in an "attack". Once at this stage, you need to get them to the A&E fast. And asthma treatment for a child under 5 is particularly tricky, requiring almost immediate treatment.
This site may be helpful:
http://adam.about.com/care/asthma/asthma_under5.html

PS
My foster brother died in a hit and run accident a few months ago. I was very depressed about it but I assure you the pain will go away (even if not completely). Stay strong and if you are a Christian, try to read your Bible whenever you are down. It helped me alot.

Answer 2

2

Answer 3

Unfortunately, people die all the time from asthma. The only way to know for certain is to wait for the autopsy results.
As a Respiratory Therapist and a lifelong asthmatic, I can tell you that every one is different in their symptoms and the severity. Some people can "wait it out" (highly discouraged) and some need assistance within a few minutes of symptoms. I was incredibly close to death during one attack, and vowed to never again be embarrassed to go to the ER or try to wait it out. My 19 year old nephew died from an asthma attack, and it is heartbreaking, considering it doesnt have to happen. Of course, it isnt anyones fault this happened. I only get frustrated because the medical community isnt educating patients/families on the severity and possible outcomes of asthma. It is a serious condition that should be addressed properly. You can absolutely live with it if you are taking the necessary medications. I am so sorry for your loss; may the memories comfort you.

Answer 4

Hi,

I am so sorry to hear about your little brother, it must be such a shock, my aunt died from Asthma in 1986, she was in her fifties, that was a shock for us too, we had been with her the previous night and had gone home by car as its a long drive back to our city from where she lived, we got a telephone call the next morning saying she had died.

She was an asthma sufferer for a long time, she had an attack while alone in bed and the cruelty of it, is that the inhaler was on the other side of the bed and she could not reach it when the attack came on, it did not make it any easier for us and I am sure knowing this about your brother will not make it easier for you either. I am so sorry to hear this.

Answer 5

My brother is an asthmatic and after ten years his asthma has shown no sign of improving. He has been to several doctors but they didn't help much.

If you want a proven, all-natural way to cure your asthma, without having to pay for useless medications with harmful side-effects, then this is the most important page you'll ever read.

Answer 6

I am so horribly, horribly sorry for you and your family. My deepest condolences to all of you.

What they are now finding is that for people who have asthma, but who don't realize their breathing is compromised are at a higher risk to die from an asthma attack. Also, patients who suffer uncontrolled asthma attacks while they sleep and after they first get up are also at a higher risk.

Unfortunately this is something that is just now coming to the forefront, but thankfully the medical community is giving it more scrutiny.. Check out this link on Medscape.com. It's full of lots of doctor talk, but you might be able to get some better understand of what is going on.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/429906

Again...from my family to yours...our very deepest condolonces.

Answer 7

I am so sorry for your loss.

I had a friend whos mother had asthma all her life and she had a particularly bad attack - an ambulance was called and she died in the back of the ambulance from the asthma attack. It is certainly possible to die from an asthma attack even if you have had it all your life.

Answer 8

yes why not human being is alive while breathining nicly other wise is we are not breathening well then we can not keep our selve alive asthama patients can not breath properly and is is dangrous to life.

Answer 9

yes.why does everyone take things so lightly? yes yes yes