An asthma attack is a sudden worsening of asthma symptoms caused by the tightening of muscles of your airways (bronchospasm). During the attack, the lining of the airways becomes swollen or inflamed and more and thicker mucus than normal is produced. All of these factors -- bronchospasm, inflammation, and mucus production -- cause asthma attack symptoms. Asthma attack symptoms include:
- Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or very rapid breathing
- Severe wheezing when breathing both in and out
- Coughing that won't stop
- Chest pain or pressure
- Tightened neck and chest muscles, called retractions
- Difficulty talking and performing normal daily activities
- Feelings of anxiety or panic
- Pale, sweaty face
- Blue lips or fingernails
- Worsening symptoms despite use of your medications
If you have asthma, you may go for weeks to months without having any asthma attack symptoms. Then suddenly, when you least expect it, you might have asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath, coughing, and wheezing. Sometimes allergies to seasonal pollen or weather changes can trigger asthma attack symptoms. Other times, a viral infection such as cold or flu can trigger asthma attack symptoms. Even exercise or sudden stress can cause asthma attack symptoms.
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