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Asthma attacks can be serious and even life-threatening events. With more than 25 million people affected by asthma in the U.S. alone, it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of an attack[1]Asthma Facts. Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Accessed 5/19/2022. .

According to 2020 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 40% of adults ages 18 and older with asthma reported having an attack within a 12-month period, andmore than 44% of children under the age of 18 with asthma reported having an attack during the same 12-month time frame[2]Most Recent National Asthma Data. Centers for Disease Control and operation. Accessed 5/19/2022. .

In 2020 alone, approximately 4,145 people died from asthma, with adults 65 and older accounting for the largest percentage of these deaths—30%[2]Most Recent National Asthma Data. Centers for Disease Control and operation. Accessed 5/19/2022. . While the signs and symptoms of an asthma attack vary from person to person, there are some common warning signs that indicate an attack is imminent.

Whether you have asthma or care for someone who does, it’s important to recognize the signs of an asthma attack. Below, learn about signs and symptoms of an asthma attack as well as how to prevent an attack and the importance of following an asthma attack action plan.

“An asthma attack is a flare-up or exacerbation of one’s asthma,” says Kendra Hammond, M.D., a pulmonologist at MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa. “Asthma is a disease of the airways of the lungs, especially of the smaller airways in the periphery of the lungs. During an attack, these airways narrow, making it difficult to exhale.”

The airways are lined with smooth muscle, and in people who suffer from asthma, this muscle can tighten up or spasm when exposed to certain triggers. The resulting narrowing of the airways makes it difficult for air to move in and out of the lungs and can lead to symptoms of asthma—shortness of breath, chest tightness and coughing.

In severe cases, the airways can become so constricted that not enough oxygen makes it into the bloodstream, and the person may experience a blue tinge to their lips or skin (cyanosis). This is a medical emergency, and you should call 911 immediately.

Asthma attacks can be triggered by several things, including (but not limited to):

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An asthma attack can come on gradually or suddenly and may or may not be preceded by warning signs. It’s important to be aware of both the warning signs and the symptoms of an asthma attack so that you can seek treatment promptly and avoid a potentially life-threatening situation.

There are often warning signs that an asthma attack is about to occur. According to Dr. Hammond, these include:

Not all asthma attacks are alike, and some are more severe than others. “A mild attack is one that can be managed at home using inhalers or nebulizers with subsequent resolution of symptoms,” says Dr. Hammond.

“A more significant attack does not improve with these measures and may even worsen despite these interventions.Attacks that don’t improve at home require one to seek medical attention,” she adds. In general, this means going to the emergency department for evaluation and, potentially, hospitalization.

Signs of a severe asthma attack include:

There are several treatments for mild asthma attacks.. In these cases, prescribed medications are used to relieve symptoms quickly. These medications include:

“The most common medications used to treat asthma attacks include bronchodilators and corticosteroids,” says Dr. Hammond. “Bronchodilators are typically inhaled medications that relax the muscles of the airways, helping to dilate the airways to allow for easier airflow.” SABAs, including albuterol and levalbuterol, are considered bronchodilators.

Corticosteroids are available in several forms, Dr. Hammond notes. “Steroids can be administered via inhalation through an inhaler or nebulizer or can be given orally or intravenously. They help treat the inflammation that may contribute to the airway narrowing.”

More severe asthma attacks may require hospitalization, especially if a patient is experiencing hypoxia, or low oxygen levels. During a hospital stay, patients are monitored closely and treated with intravenous (IV) medications and, potentially, an oxygen mask to assist with breathing. The treatment goal is to relieve symptoms and prevent further attacks, and, once stable, patients are discharged from the hospital with a plan for follow-up care.

Prevention goes a long way when it comes to asthma attacks. According to Dr. Hammond, prevention methods can include:

“You can help prevent asthma attacks by avoiding certain triggers, such as strong perfumes or certain environmental triggers, which vary from person to person,” she says. “Being compliant with your asthma medications on a regular basis can result in fewer attacks.”

If you think you or someone you know is having an asthma attack, it’s important to follow an asthma action plan and seek medical attention as soon as possible. If you don’t have an asthma action plan, Dr. Hammond recommends talking to your doctor about developing one—something the CDC also urges.

“Patients with asthma should speak with their physician regarding making a plan for what steps to take when breathing worsens so that they know exactly what they should do,” she says .

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Being evaluated by a health care professional is essential if your symptoms don’t improve following your asthma action plan.

“Seek emergency treatment for asthma attacks when symptoms fail to improve or worsen despite home inhaler or nebulizer use,” says Dr. Hammond. “If one is having difficulty speaking in full sentences due to inability to catch one’s breath, they should seek medical attention right away.”

Asthma is a complex condition that requires lifelong management. Learning about asthma and working with your care team to develop an asthma action plan is key to preventing attacks and controlling symptoms.

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Lindsay Modglin is a nurse and professional writer who regularly writes about complex medical topics, as well as travel and the great outdoors. She holds a professional certificate in scientific writing from Stanford University School of Medicine and has contributed to many major publications including Insider and Verywell. As a passionate advocate for science-based content, she loves writing captivating material that supports scientific research and education. In her spare time, you can often find her exploring nature with her husband and three children.