Signs and Symptoms of Asthma Attack

Signs and Symptoms of Asthma Attack

An asthma attack, also called a flare-up, happens when asthma symptoms get worse. Learn the signs and symptoms of an asthma attack so you can act quickly.

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What Is an Asthma Attack?

An asthma attack, also called a flare-up, happens when asthma symptoms get worse. Symptoms may start slowly or become worse quickly. Follow the Asthma Management Plan to know which medicine to give and when.

Why do Asthma Attacks Happen?  

Often something triggers an asthma attack, such as:

  • Rescue medicine is not working.
  • Colds.
  • Allergies.
  • Cigarette smoke.
  • Exercise.
  • Something around you (cleaners, animals, dust, mold, or weather changes).

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What Happens During an Asthma Attack? 

When asthma is not under good control, there are 3 changes in the airways that make it hard to breathe. All of these make the airways smaller. When the airways get smaller it is hard to get air in and out. This can cause wheezing, coughing and trouble breathing.

Listed Below are the 3 Ways the Airways Change When Asthma is Not Under Good Control:

  • Muscles tighten around the airway. Your airways have muscles around them that are usually loose. When you have asthma, these muscles can tighten.
  • Inflammation (swelling) inside the airways. The walls thicken and make the space in the airways smaller.
  • Mucus plugs up the airway. Mucus is a thick liquid. Mucus normally protects the nose, throat, and airways. This mucus can plug the airways.

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Early Signs of an Asthma Attack

Starting medicine early can help keep the asthma attack from getting worse.

Start quick-relief (rescue) medicine or SMART medicine as directed by the Asthma Management Plan when these early signs begin:

  • Coughing
  • Wheezing
  • Tight or heavy feeling in the chest
  • Coughing at night
  • Playing or being active less than usual

Emergency Signs of an Asthma Attack

Call the Asthma team or get medical care right away:

  • Quick-relief medicine is not working.
  • Breathing is getting harder or faster.
  • Coughing will not stop.
  • Having trouble breathing while walking, talking, or sleeping.

Signs of Trouble Breathing

Call 911 right away with severe trouble breathing or if the lips or face look blue or gray. Continue to follow the Asthma Management Plan while getting emergency help

Watch for These Emergency Physical Signs

  • The nostrils open wider when breathing. This is called nasal flaring.
    nasal flaring
  • The skin pulls in between the ribs or under the neck when breathing. This is called retractions.
    retractions
  • Color Changes: The lips or fingernails start to turn blue or gray.

Treatment of an Asthma Attack

  • Use your quick relief (rescue) medicine.
  • Follow your Asthma Management Plan.

stethoscope

 

To Learn More, Watch These Videos:

Symptoms of Asthma

Asthma Emergency

Cough Medicine

Artwork@2019 Booster Shot Media Inc.

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Call the provider, nurse, or clinic if you have any questions or concerns or if there are special health care needs that were not covered by this information.

Draft Number: 1885Revision Date: October 23, 2026

This content was created to help you care for your child and/or family member. It does not take the place of medical care. Talk with your healthcare provider for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.