7 signs of an asthma emergency, and what to do

There’s nothing more terrifying than going to take a breath and… you can’t.

This is life with asthma, at least when it’s uncontrolled or during an asthma attack. Luckily, asthma is a highly treatable condition and one that is manageable with a bit of education and consistency.

Asthma is a common condition, with around 8% of people in the United States – or 28 million people – suffering from it, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).

“Asthma occurs when bronchial tubes become inflamed. Most patients become inflamed due to exposure to inhaled allergens, but a smaller group becomes inflamed without a clear allergen exposure," said Dr. Y. Michael Shim, chief of pulmonary and critical care medicine at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York.

"During an asthma attack, inflammation in the airways causes mucus to pool and plug the airways, making them irritable and twitchy," Shim added. Patients then cough and wheeze, especially when exhaling.

What causes asthma?

People have a wide variety of triggers, Shim said, including "tree pollen, grass pollen and mold spores, as well as indoor allergens such as cockroaches, dog/cat dander and dust mites." He added that others have exercise-induced asthma that happens just during those activities, while others might be sensitive to aerosolized chemicals like perfume or cleaning solutions. 

Those diagnosed with asthma as children can sometimes resolve their asthmatic symptoms. Adults may develop asthma after a viral infection or exposure.

What are the signs of an asthma emergency?

Asthma can become an emergency quickly. The AAFA recommends watching for these signs:

• Symptoms that are quickly worsening.
• Shortness of breath that becomes severe.
• Medications not helping.
• Trouble talking or walking.
• Hard or shallow breathing.
• Chest sucking inward.
• Gray, white, or blue fingertips, nails, or areas around the mouth.

If you experience these, call 911.

Nine to 11 people die from asthma daily, according to AAFA, but asthma emergencies are preventable with the right treatment and early intervention.

For those with more manageable asthma, treatments might include preventative and emergency inhalers, in addition to other medications or treatments. Reach out to your primary care doctor or a pulmonologist if you suspect you may have asthma.