Slideshow Pictures: Asthma -- The Anatomy of an Asthma Attack

How to Avoid an Asthma Emergency

Asthma attacks rarely happen without warning. Knowing the signs of a pending attack could help you prevent an asthma emergency. In fact, acting quickly could save your life.

Click on the next slide to see the warning signs to watch out for.

Asthma Early Warning Signs

• A lack of appetite, fatigue, headache, or coughing often precedes an asthma attack.
• Trouble sleeping and feeling tired are other typical signs.
• So are dark circles under the eyes and less tolerance for exercise.

A Persistent Cough

Signs of an asthma attack vary from one attack to the next. One time there may be little or no coughing before an attack. The next time, there may be a persistent cough, especially at night.

The cough is typically dry and hacking. A chronic or persistent cough that doesn't disappear after other cold symptoms have disappeared could point to asthma.

Avoid taking cough medicine. Cough medicine won't help the asthma.

Measurable Changes in Breathing

A peak flow meter can alert you to a pending attack. Be sure you always know your baseline measurement that reflects your best breathing.

• If your peak flow meter shows numbers between 50% and 80% of your personal best, an asthma attack has likely begun.
• A number below 50% signals an emergency that needs immediate attention.
• Call 911 if you have trouble walking or talking due to shortness of breath, or if your lips are blue or gray.

Follow Your Asthma Action Plan

An action plan tells you how to deal with symptoms of an asthma attack.

• Based on peak flow measures, an action plan shows you what medicines to take and when. It's important to follow the plan and use the medications exactly as prescribed.
• If the symptoms still get worse after following the plan, call your asthma doctor. Also, follow the plan's emergency instructions.

Breathing Difficulties

During an asthma attack, muscles around the airways tighten, and the airway linings swell.

• Excess mucus secretion is produced in the airways and can block the air tubes in the lungs.
• Air is trapped in the lungs and breathing becomes difficult.

You might notice symptoms of wheezing at first. But as attacks progress there is more chest tightness and shortness of breath. This can progress to a feeling of not being able to get enough air.

Posture Changes

The effort to breathe may cause someone with severe breathing difficulties to lean forward, speak in words rather than sentences, and become noticeably agitated.

As the severity increases, an asthma sufferer may increasingly assume a hunched-over sitting position with the hands supporting the torso, termed the tripod position.

Chest and Neck Retractions

When it's hard to breathe, the tissue in the chest and neck may sink in with each breath. This is called retraction.

Retractions indicate that not enough air is getting into the lungs, and are signs of a medical emergency. Call 911 or see a doctor immediately.

In children other signs of deterioration in breathing are:

• poor appetite
• fatigue
• decreased activity

Blue Lips or Fingernails

Blue or gray lips or fingernails are a sign of insufficient oxygen in the blood. The condition is called cyanosis.

Cyanosis indicates an emergency situation. Call 911 as soon as possible.

Other Signs of Asthma Emergencies

If you notice any of the following, get emergency help at once:

• difficulty talking
• inability to exhale or inhale
• shortness of breath
• feelings of anxiety or panic
• coughing that won't stop
• pale, sweaty face

Swift action saves lives.

More Reading on Asthma

• Asthma
• Asthma FAQ

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