An asthma attack also called asthma episode or flare or exacerbation is the state of breathlessness which intervenes in one’s life and demand urgent medication. Basically an asthma attack is sudden worsening of asthma symptoms.

An asthma attack occurs when air passages in the lungs of asthmatics become narrow and the person experiences problem in inhailing air. This stage arises due to over-sensitivity of lungs and airways. The lungs and airways are very sensitive to asthma triggers particularly for a person with asthma. The lining of airways swells, muscles surrounding airways tighten, production of mucus increases and finally leads to asthma attack.

Frequent cough, shortness of breath, problems after doing exercises, feeling tired, decrease or change in lung function, sneezing, runny nose, nasal, congestion. Sore throat, headache, trouble sleeping with nighttime asthma, reduction in peak flow meter readings are some of the early warning signs of asthma attack.

If the symptoms of asthma continue to worse, gets even more intense additional symptoms occur and there is an asthma attack then. Severe asthma attacks may require an emergency as they may lead to attack. So as soon as asthma symptoms or even mild asthma attacks are experienced immediate medical attention becomes necessary.