Asthma is the long-term inflammation of the airways. It causes your airways to narrow, restricting air from flowing in and out of your lungs.
An asthma attack is the worsening of asthma symptoms. By recognizing the signs of an asthma attack, you’ll be better prepared if it happens.
Keep reading to learn more about an asthma attack and how to know if you’re having one!
What is an Asthma Attack?
An asthma attack, also called an asthma flare-up, is the worsening of asthma symptoms due to the constriction of the muscles surrounding your airways. The tightening is known as bronchospasm.
During an asthma attack, the lining of your airways also becomes inflamed or swollen, and thicker and more mucus is produced. Combined, inflammation, bronchospasm, and excess mucus production trigger the symptoms of an asthma attack.
An asthma attack can come on suddenly or build over a few hours or even a few days.
How Can You Recognize the Signs of an Asthma Attack?
The warning signs of an asthma attack include:
Shortness of Breath
When breathlessness comes on unexpectedly and suddenly, it could indicate an asthma attack. With an asthma attack, the airway linings create more mucus, and the muscles around the airways tighten, narrowing your airways.
Consequently, it becomes hard for air to move in and out of your airways, leading to shortness of breath.
Wheezing
Wheezing is a high-pitched, squeaky, or whistling sound from your chest and is one of the classic signs of an asthma attack. It happens when air moves through swollen and constricted airways.
Initially, you may wheeze when breathing out, but as the asthma attack worsens, the wheezing can also occur when breathing in.
Chest Tightness
Tightness in the chest could be a tell-tale sign of an asthma attack. It occurs when the muscles around your airways tighten.
A tight chest can feel like pressure or heavy weight in the chest area, making breathing difficult. It may also feel like a sharp pain or dull ache in your chest.
Persistent Cough
Another hallmark sign of an asthma attack is an ongoing, dry cough. Inflammation and narrowing of your airways prompts this type of cough during an asthma attack.
Gasping for Breath
Gasping for breath is a feeling of being unable to get enough air. It can be a frightening experience and could signal an asthma attack.
The inflammation and constriction of your airways due to asthma can make it difficult for air to flow through your lungs. As a result, you may find yourself gasping for breath.
Sudden Anxiety or Panic
Abrupt panic or anxiety can be a sign of an asthma attack. If you’ve previously experienced one, the fear or stress of another asthma attack could be enough to trigger panic or anxiety.
Anxiety or panic could also set in as breathing becomes more challenging and can exacerbate the attack.
Sweating
You may break out into a cold sweat during an asthma attack. Your face may also appear pale and sweaty.
Sweating could be a result of anxiety, your body struggling to take in oxygen, or difficulty breathing.
Rapid Breathing
Breathing may become rapid because of an asthma attack. Your body’s response during the attack is to increase the breathing rate to make up for decreased airflow.
Rapid breathing may cause the skin between your ribcage or around your chest to suck in when you inhale. This might be visible when you pull your shirt up.
Difficulty Speaking
In an asthma attack, talking can be difficult because of shortness of breath. Additionally, when your airways narrow and prevent enough oxygen from entering your body, your brain may become clouded, making speaking challenging.
Blue Lips or Fingernails
Bluish coloring on your fingernails or lips can signal a severe asthma attack. The color change is called cyanosis and means you have less oxygen in your blood.
Cyanosis usually requires prompt medical attention.
What Should You Do During an Asthma Attack?
If you’re having an asthma attack, timely treatment is essential to improve your breathing and prevent complications. Here’s what to do during the attack:
Remain calm: Panic and anxiety can aggravate your symptoms. So try your best to keep calm and take slow, deep breaths, in through your nose and out through your mouth.
Use a quick-relief or rescue inhaler: Use these as directed by your allergy and immunology specialist. The inhaler can open your airways and alleviate your symptoms.
Sit up straight: Don’t lie down. Sitting upright can help open your airways and ease breathing.
Seek immediate medical attention: If your breathing difficulties and other symptoms persist or worsen even after using the inhaler, head to the nearest emergency room or call 911 right away.
Use your asthma action plan: If you have an asthma action plan, follow all the steps outlined by your allergy and immunology specialist to manage your symptoms.
Even if you get your asthma attack under control, you should still see your Allergy and Immunology specialist within a few days. The allergy and immunology specialist may order further testing, determine if you need additional medication, or create an asthma action plan if you don’t have one.
Don’t Let Asthma Run Your Life
An asthma attack can be serious and even life-threatening. If you’re experiencing symptoms of one, seek prompt medical attention at Chicago ENT for fast and effective relief.
Do you want more information on recognizing and managing asthma attacks? Schedule your appointment at Chicago ENT in Chicago, IL, today!
