Asthma Attack Symptoms

Can you recognize asthma attack symptoms? Being acutely aware of asthma attack symptoms is crucial to preventing an asthma emergency.

Some asthma attack symptoms such as wheezing are easy to identify. Yet other asthma attack symptoms such as feelings of anxiety or panic are not as well known. Some people have coughing with asthma no wheezing with an asthma attack. Others may have an itchy chin before they start to feel short of breath and cough. Still others may only have symptoms at nighttime (called nocturnal asthma). Understanding asthma attack symptoms early on will help in prevention of asthma symptoms as you seek quick treatment with asthma medication when it’s most effective.

Understanding Asthma Attack Symptoms

An asthma attack is a sudden worsening of asthma symptoms caused by the tightening of muscles of your airways (bronchospasm). During the attack, the lining of the airways becomes swollen or inflamed and more and thicker mucus than normal is produced. All of these factors -- bronchospasm, inflammation, and mucus production -- cause asthma attack symptoms such as difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and difficulty performing normal daily activities. Other symptoms of an asthma attack include:

• Severe wheezing when breathing both in and out
• Coughing that won't stop
• Very rapid breathing
• Chest pain or pressure
• Tightened neck and chest muscles, called retractions
• Difficulty talking
• Feelings of anxiety or panic
• Pale, sweaty face
• Blue lips or fingernails
• Or worsening symptoms despite use of your medications.

If you have asthma, you may go for weeks to months without having any asthma attack symptoms. Then suddenly, when you least expect it, you might have asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing. Sometimes allergies to seasonal pollen or weather changes can trigger asthma attack symptoms. Other times, a viral infection such as cold or flu can trigger asthma attack symptoms. Even exercise or sudden stress can cause asthma attack symptoms. As an example, sinusitis with asthma is common. Even exercise can cause asthma symptoms (called exercise-induced asthma). Stress triggers asthma, too.

Prevention of Asthma Attack Symptoms Is Best

The best way to prevent asthma attack symptoms is to manage your asthma daily. By following your asthma action plan and using your peak flow meter to measure breathing changes, you can treat your asthma with the proper medications even before symptoms become noticeable. In doing so, you can prevent an asthma emergency and continue to live an active life. 

What Do I Do If I Have Asthma Attack Symptoms?

Without immediate asthma treatment, asthma attack symptoms can worsen and you may have a severe asthma attack (called status asthmaticus). If you experience asthma attack symptoms and these symptoms do not improve, contact your doctor. If you have an asthma action plan, follow the “Red Zone” or emergency instructions immediately. You need medical attention right away.