Recognizing an Asthma Attack
Learning to recognize the signs of an asthma attack and what to do
Asthma attacks can feel frightening, both for the person having the attack and for friends or family nearby. Understanding the warning signs in advance, and knowing what your own asthma action plan describes, can help everyone stay calmer if an attack happens.
This page is general health education, not emergency instructions or medical advice. An asthma attack can become a medical emergency very quickly. If you or someone else is struggling to breathe, call 911 (or your local emergency number outside the US, such as 999 in the UK or 112 across Europe) right away. Always follow the personal asthma action plan created by your own medical team.
If You Have an Asthma Attack
Your own asthma action plan, created with your medical team, is the guide you should follow during an attack. It is personal to you and likely differs from someone else’s, including which medication to take and when. The descriptions below are general examples of what such plans and asthma organizations commonly include, to help you understand what to expect. They are not a substitute for your personal plan.
Your asthma action plan guides you
- When, which, and how much relief medication to take.
- The next steps if symptoms continue.
- When to phone your medical team, for example after about 15 minutes with no improvement, or if you are unsure.
- Speak to someone directly, not by email or voicemail.
- If symptoms do not improve after following your plan for about 15 minutes, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the emergency room. Do not wait until you have reached your medical team.
If you do not have an asthma action plan yet
Not everyone has a personal asthma action plan yet. If you do not:
- Follow any advice your medical team has already given you for attacks or worsening symptoms.
- Unsure what to do or what to take, however mild it seems? Contact your doctor, or go to the emergency room if you cannot reach them.
- If symptoms feel severe, call 911 or your local emergency number without delay.
- For general background, this trusted resource may help: Cleveland Clinic: Asthma Attack (opens in a new tab on an external site).
- Then talk with your medical team about creating a personal asthma action plan together.
If Someone Else Has an Asthma Attack
Seeing someone have an asthma attack can be alarming, especially the first time. Asthma organizations generally describe staying calm and offering support as the most helpful response, while the person follows their own plan and emergency services are contacted if needed.
General supportive tips
- Reassuring the person that you are there to help and support them
- Staying with them until the attack has passed or help arrives, since not every attack needs emergency help and some settle by following the plan
- Helping them sit in an upright position, which many find more comfortable
- Asking whether they have an inhaler, or whether you can get it for them
- Offering to assist them with using their inhaler, following the steps and dose set out in their own asthma action plan
- Asking whether they have a spacer, since guidance notes that using a spacer during an attack can make the medication more effective
Signs commonly described as a milder attack
Milder attacks are often described as involving signs such as:
- Coughing and wheezing that is not severe
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
- Still being able to speak in full sentences
In these situations:
- Follow your asthma action plan for how to use your medication.
- No plan available? Contact your medical team, or go to urgent care or the emergency room.
- If symptoms feel severe at any point, call 911 or your local emergency number without delay.
Signs commonly described as a severe attack
A severe asthma attack is a medical emergency. Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately. Signs often described as severe include:
- Extreme tiredness or exhaustion
- Being unable to speak in full sentences
- Severe wheezing and coughing
- Difficulty walking
- Blue coloring of the skin, lips, or fingernails
- Drowsiness or confusion
Medical disclaimer. This page is general health education, not medical advice, and no substitute for a qualified healthcare professional. Asthma action plans are personal and differ from person to person. For your own symptoms, medication, and what to do during an attack, always follow the plan created with your medical team.