Asthma attack
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Asthma attack
An asthma attack (also called an acute asthma episode, flare-up, or exacerbation) is a sudden worsening of asthma symptoms, including shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing, and coughing.
Although asthma attacks may seem to occur suddenly, they usually occur after several days of increasing symptoms. Symptoms may be mild, moderate, or severe. Episodes can be brief (about an hour) or last for several days.
Although asthma attacks can be serious, they can usually be treated at home by using quick-relief medicine and an increased dose of controller medicine. In severe asthma attacks, it may be necessary to contact a health professional or seek emergency care.
Credits
| Author | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Harold S. Nelson, MD - Allergy and Immunology |
| Last Updated | May 15, 2007 |
| Last updated: | May 15, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS |
| Reviewed By: | Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine, Harold S. Nelson, MD - Allergy and Immunology |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC |
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