During an asthma attack, also called an asthma exacerbation, your airways become swollen and inflamed.
During an attack, you may cough, wheeze, and have trouble breathing.
A severe asthma attack that doesn’t improve with home treatment can become a life-threatening emergency.
Asthma attack signs and symptoms include:
Signs and symptoms of an asthma attack vary from person to person.
If your symptoms don’t improve with home treatment, you may need to seek emergency care.
If your asthma isn’t well-controlled, it increases your risk of future asthma attacks.
Lingering lung inflammation means your asthma could flare up at any time.
Go to all scheduled doctor’s appointments.
Asthma triggers vary from person to person.
Some people have asthma flare-ups due to something in their work environment.
Sometimes, asthma attacks occur with no apparent cause.
Anyone who has asthma is at risk of an asthma attack.
You may be at increased risk of a serious asthma attack if:
Asthma attacks can be serious.
Poor lung function is a sign that your asthma isn’t well-controlled.
This test measures how quickly you might breathe out.
You also may use a peak flow meter at home to monitor your lung function.
The results of this test are known as peak expiratory flow (PEF).
The results of this test are known as forced expiratory volume (FEV).
High nitric oxide readings indicate inflammation of the bronchial tubes.
Exhaled nitric oxide can be measured by having a patient exhale directly into an analyzer.
Exhaled air may be captured in a nitric-oxide-impervious container for measurement later.
Pulse oximetry.This test is used during a severe asthma attack.
It measures the amount of oxygen in your blood.
It’s measured through your fingernail and only takes seconds.
Small children and those who have trouble with inhalers can use a nebulizer.
After 20 minutes, it’s possible for you to repeat the treatment one time if necessary.
Same-day medical care is also warranted if you continue to wheeze and feel at all breathless after initial treatment.
You might also need to take oral corticosteroid medication for a short time.
When your doctor feels your asthma is sufficiently under control, you’ll be able to go home.
Your doctor will give you instructions on what to do if you have another asthma attack.
If you’re having severe asthma symptoms, you may need to breathe oxygen through a mask.
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions.
One of the key steps in preventing an asthma attack is to avoid your triggers.
The best way to avoid an asthma attack is to verify your asthma is well-controlled in the first place.
This means following a written asthma plan to track symptoms and adjust your medication.
Take your inhaled medications as prescribed in your written asthma plan.
These preventive medications treat the airway inflammation that causes asthma signs and symptoms.
Updated: 2016-10-20
Publication Date: 2009-01-09
