What are asthma attack symptoms and when to go to ER?

Asthma attacks range from mild manageable at home to severe life-threatening. Knowing danger signs saves lives.

Asthma Attack Symptoms:

• Wheezing: Whistling sound during exhaling — most famous sign.
• Shortness of breath: Difficulty inhaling or exhaling.
• Cough: Especially at night or early morning — dry initially.
• Chest tightness: Pressure feeling like something sitting on the chest.
• Rapid breathing: More than 20 breaths/minute in adults.

Go to ER Immediately If:

• Bronchodilator inhaler didn't help after 15-20 minutes.
• Difficulty speaking: Cannot complete a sentence in one breath.
• Blue lips or nails — oxygen deprivation.
• Neck and rib muscles visible with each breath — severe respiratory effort.
• Altered consciousness: Severe drowsiness or confusion — danger sign.
• In children: Not playing, eating, or drinking.

First Aid:

1. Use Ventolin inhaler: 4-6 puffs.
2. Sit upright — do not lie down.
3. If no improvement in 15 minutes — call ambulance.

At BEIT TARIQ Center, we handle asthma attacks with nebulizer and oxygen equipment.