Two known complications of asthma are:
- Pneumothorax
- Status asthmaticus
Lifestyle Complications
People who suffer from severe asthma often end up in the emergency room. Since they need medications to control their asthma symptoms they also tend to suffer from the side effects of these medications. These factors tend to lessen the quality of their life and cause them to develop emotional problems. Asthmatics are often frustrated, confused or frightened and these can affect their life in such a way that they often end up not going to work or attending school.
Corticosteroid
Some asthmatics are prescribed with corticosteroid meds to offset the severity of their asthma symptoms. When use of corticosteroids are prolonged or used on a long-term basis, side effects such as skin dystrophy, facial changes, skin bruising and osteoporosis can occur.
Pneumothorax
This is a rare complication due to a severe asthma attack. Pneumothorax occurs when air starts leaking out of the lungs. Asthma can cause the alveoli or air sacs to overstretch which eventually can cause them to rupture. A sign of a pneumothorax is when an asthma patient often feels pain in the chest.
Status Asthmaticus
This is an asthma complication that can be potentially fatal. Status asthmaticus occurs when the person in the midst of an exacerbation does not show any positive response to any of his typical asthma treatments. When the exacerbation involves problems in breathing and chest tightness this condition can easily result in death.
Severe Coughing
During an asthma attack a person often coughs; however, some asthmatic patients can undergo bouts of severe coughing which may lead to complications like fecal incontinence, urinary incontinence in females and even a broken rib.
One other complication of asthma can involve the permanent restriction of the airways which affects the quality of your breathing.