Living Well With Asthma | Page 25

Coping With an Asthma Attack Recognizing the symptoms of an asthma attack early may help you prevent it from happening. First, be sure you know the danger signs of a serious asthma attack: • • • • Severe shortness of breath (gasping for air) Can’t talk well (not being able to speak in a full sentence) Having trouble walking Lips or fingernails turn blue If you experience these danger signs, you are having a major asthma attack. Go to the emergency room or call 911 immediately! You also need to know the signs and symptoms for less severe asthma attacks, including: • • • • • • Coughing, sneezing, itchy throat Tight chest, wheezing Shortness of breath Waking up at night Fast heartbeat and/or breathing Headache 23