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Signs of an asthma attack

Asthma attack - signs; Reactive airway disease - asthma attack; Bronchial asthma - attack

Symptoms

If you do not know whether or not you have asthma, these 4 symptoms could be signs that you do:

Other Warning Signs

Other early warning signs of an asthma attack are:

Danger Signs

Call 911 or the local emergency number right away if you have any of the following symptoms. These may be signs of a serious medical emergency.

If your child has asthma, the child's caregivers must know to call 911 or the local emergency number in case your child has any of these symptoms. This includes teachers, babysitters, and others who take care of your child.

Related Information

Asthma
Asthma in children
Asthma and allergy resources
How to use an inhaler - no spacer
How to use an inhaler - with spacer
Asthma - child - discharge
Asthma - control drugs
How to use a nebulizer
Asthma - quick-relief drugs
Asthma and school
Exercise-induced asthma
Exercising and asthma at school
How to use your peak flow meter
Make peak flow a habit
Stay away from asthma triggers
Asthma in adults - what to ask the doctor
Asthma in children - what to ask your doctor

References

National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Asthma management guidelines: focused updates 2020. Updated February 4, 2021. www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/asthma-management-guidelines-2020-updates. Accessed February 9, 2024.

Viswanathan RK, Busse WW. Management of asthma in adolescents and adults. In: Burks AW, Holgate ST, O'Hehir RE, et al, eds. Middleton's Allergy Principles and Practice. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 52.

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Review Date: 2/3/2024  

Reviewed By: Frank D. Brodkey, MD, FCCM, Associate Professor, Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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