Triggers, Signs, and Symptoms of an Asthma Attack

October 13, 2008

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Triggers, Signs, and Symptoms of an Asthma Attack

by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P.
reviewed by Lynn Cates, M.D., F.A.A.P.

Many people have heard of asthma "attacks," but unless you or someone you know has had one, you may not be sure what happens during such an attack. Simply put, a flare-up of asthma symptoms, such as wheezing or coughing, constitutes an attack. We're fortunate in this day and age to have a variety of medical treatments available to help prevent and treat these attacks. But in order to treat asthma effectively, you need to know what triggers your child's attacks and what symptoms you should look for (early warning signs) before they become severe.

Asthma-attack triggers vary from one person to another. If your child has asthma, you can significantly reduce the number and severity of his attacks by identifying his triggers and then limiting his exposure to them whenever possible. Some are easier than others to avoid. Below is a list of the most common triggers.

upper respiratory tract infections

cigarette smoke

dust

exercise

pets

pollens

stress

Key symptoms of an asthma attack may include:

wheezing

coughing

shortness of breath

tightness in the chest

If you find yourself unsure whether or not your child is having an asthma attack, check for several signs that indicate that he's working harder to get air into his lungs, such as:

Rapid breathing. During an asthma attack, children often breathe faster and in a more shallow manner than they normally do.

Retracting. This occurs when the tissues of the chest between the ribs and sometimes around the neck sink in with each breath.

Nasal flaring. This is indicated by the nostrils moving in and out with each breath.

Because a child's ability to participate in everyday activities is unquestionably dependent on his ability to breathe well, he may also develop general symptoms that are not specific to asthma, but are related instead to his difficulty breathing. These include poor appetite, fatigue, irritability, decreased activity, or simply feeling ill.

Clearly, treating an asthma attack when it occurs is important, but by helping your child avoid triggers and learning to recognize the early warning signs of an attack, you can significantly minimize the impact this disease has on your child's everyday life.


RELATED INFORMATION

			Asthma and the Use of Peak Flow Meters
			Asthma

Created March 12, 2001
Reviewed May 05, 2001

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