Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that can cause difficulty breathing. This can be very concerning for those who suffer from this condition because episodes of asthma, known as “asthma attacks,” can range from mild to severe and can even be life-threatening. But how do you answer the question “am I having an asthma attack?” In this article, we’ll take a look at some signs and symptoms to look out for so you can get the help you need in the event of an emergency.
The most common symptom of an asthma attack is difficulty breathing—this includes shortness of breath, wheezing or whistling noises when breathing, chest tightness, and coughing during physical activity or at night. Other symptoms include feeling lightheaded, pale skin color and blue lips or fingernails due to lack of oxygen, rapid heartbeat, and fatigue due to lack of energy. If your asthma attack is severe enough it may even cause hyperventilation which will make it difficult to speak or move around.
If you suffer from any of these symptoms while experiencing an episode, then it’s important that you seek medical attention as soon as possible since it could progress into something more serious such as airway inflammation making it harder to breathe. However, before heading to the hospital try using your rescue inhaler if available—this helps open up your airways and make breathing easier in the short term until professional medical assistance arrives. It’s also helpful to keep track of what triggers might have caused your asthma attack in case this type of episode happens again in the future so that you can avoid them next time around.
Being aware of the signs and symptoms associated with an asthma attack is key for those who suffer from this condition. Pay attention to any changes in your breathing pattern such as shortness of breath or coughing fits—if they become worse over time then don’t hesitate to get help right away, either through an emergency room visit or by calling 9-1-1 depending on how serious the situation is.! Be sure also to pay attention to what triggers your attack (such as allergies) so that you can avoid such instances in the future where possible too!
