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Signs of an asthma attack

Symptoms:

If you do not know if you have asthma, these 4 symptoms could be signs that you do:

  • Coughing -- sometimes waking you up at night.
  • Wheezing -- a whistling sound when you breathe. You may hear it more when you breathe out. It can start as a low-sounding whistle and get higher.
  • Breathing problems -- this includes having shortness of breath, feeling like you are out of breath, gasping for air, having trouble breathing out, or breathing faster than normal. When breathing gets very difficult, the skin of your chest and neck may suck inward.
  • Chest tightness

Other Warning Signs:

Other early warning signs of y an asthma attack are

  • Having an itchy neck
  • Having dark bags under your eyes
  • Feeling tired
  • Being short-tempered or irritable
  • Being nervous or edgy

Danger Signs:

Call 9-1-1 right away if you have any of the symptoms below. These are signs of a serious medical emergency.

  • You are having trouble walking or talking because it is so hard to breathe.
  • You are hunching over.
  • Your lips or fingernails are blue or gray.
  • You are breathing very slowly.

If your child has asthma, the child' s caregivers must know to call 9-1-1 if your child has any of these symptoms. This includes teachers, babysitters, and others who take care of your child.

  • Reviewed last on: 10/26/2008
  • Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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