An asthma attack is a sudden worsening of your child's asthma.
An asthma attack can be triggered by pollen, dust mites, mold, changes in the weather, irritants and pollution, exercise, or an infection, such as a cold or sinus infection. However, you won't always recognize or be able to predict what triggers your child's asthma symptoms.
During an asthma attack, muscles around the airways in the lungs tighten, airway inflammation and swelling increases, and mucus can build up in the airways. The combination of these things make it harder for air to get in and out of the lungs, which leads to coughing, wheezing, and the other symptoms of an asthma attack.
Asthma Attack Symptoms
Symptoms of an asthma attack might include some or all of the following symptoms:
- wheezing
- chest tightness
- coughing
- shortness of breath
- waking up at night with a cough or other asthma symptoms
- not being able to perform some of his usual activities, including physical activity and sports
In addition to these symptoms, children who are having an asthma attack will also likely have a drop in their peak flow.
Severe Asthma Attacks
With a more severe asthma attack, the symptoms will likely worsen and you may notice that the child has a constant cough, is getting very short of breath, and he likely won't be able to do any of his usual activities. You may also notice that your child's peak flow has dropped to less than 50% of his personal best and his quick-relief asthma medications aren't working.
Danger signs during an asthma attack, for which you should seek immediate medical attention, can include a child who is having so much difficulty breathing that he has trouble walking or talking or if his lips or fingernails are turning blue.
Asthma Action Plan
Once your child begins to have symptoms of an asthma attack or just a drop in his peak flow, you should follow your child's asthma action plan.
