What Happens During an Asthma Attack: Symptoms and Emergency Response

An asthma attack (exacerbation) involves acute bronchospasm, airway inflammation, and mucus hypersecretion, causing:

• Wheezing (expiratory)
• Cough (often non-productive)
• Chest tightness
• Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
• Tachypnea, tachycardia
• Inability to speak in full sentences (severe)

Pain is not typical, but chest tightness can feel like a heavy weight. Severe attacks are life-threatening (status asthmaticus).

Immediate Action

1. Use rescue inhaler (SABA: albuterol/salbutamol) – 2–4 puffs via spacer; repeat every 20 min up to 3 times in first hour.
2. If no improvement, call emergency services.
3. Systemic corticosteroids (oral/IV) often needed.

Follow your written Asthma Action Plan. Regular controller therapy (ICS/LABA) reduces exacerbation risk.