Recognizing Early Warning Signals of An Asthma Attack

Early warning signs are changes that happen just before or at the very beginning of an asthma attack. These changes start before the well-known symptoms of asthma and are the earliest signs that your asthma is worsening.

In general, these early asthma attack symptoms are not severe enough to stop you from going about your daily activities. But by recognizing these signs, you can stop an asthma attack or prevent one from getting worse.

Early warning signs of an asthma attack may include:

· Frequent cough, especially at night

· Reduced peak flow meter readings

· Losing your breath easily or shortness of breath

· Feeling very tired or weak when exercising

· Wheezing or coughing during or after exercise (exercise-induced asthma)

· Feeling tired, easily upset, grouchy, or moody

· Decreases or changes in lung function as measured on a peak flow meter

· Signs of a cold or allergies (sneezing, runny nose, cough, nasal congestion, sore throat, and headache)

· Trouble sleeping with nighttime asthma

The severity of an asthma attack can escalate rapidly, so it's important to treat these symptoms immediately once you recognize them.

What Do I Do If I Have An Asthma Attack?

If you or a loved one is having an asthma attack and the symptoms don't get better quickly after following the asthma action plan, follow the "red zone" or emergency instructions and contact your doctor or call 911 right away. You need urgent medical attention.

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To read more about how to recognize signs of an impending asthma attach from WebMD, visit the following: https://www.webmd.com/asthma/asthma-attack.