What are the symptoms of an asthma attack? |
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In some individuals the symptoms of an asthma attack are characterized by chronic breathing difficulties. In others it is an illness that comes and goes and is marked by episodes with symptoms that may be triggered by a number of events, including upper respiratory infection, airborne allergens, and exercise.
When existing asthma suddenly becomes worse, this is referred to as an asthma attack. The clinical hallmarks of an asthma attack are shortness of breath (dyspnea) and wheezing. Some victims present primarily with coughing, and in the late stages of an asthma attack, air motion may be so impaired that no wheezing may be heard. When present the cough may sometimes produce clear sputum. The onset may be sudden, with a sense of constriction in the chest, breathing becomes difficult, and wheezing occurs.
Signs of an asthmatic episode are wheezing, rapid breathing (tachypnea), prolonged out breath (expiration), a rapid heart rate (tachycardia), lung sounds which are audible through a stethoscope, and over-inflation of the chest.
During very severe attacks, an asthma sufferer can turn blue from lack of oxygen, and can experience chest pain or even loss of consciousness. Severe asthma attacks may lead to respiratory arrest and death. Despite the severity of symptoms during an asthmatic episode, between attacks an asthmatic may show few signs of the disease.
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