Fatal asthma attack symptoms: what to know

During a severe attack, narrowed and inflamed airways limit the movement of air. Wheezing may become very quiet if little air is moving, so the absence of a loud wheeze does not prove improvement. Chest tightness, a persistent cough, rapid breathing, difficulty walking, or struggling to finish a sentence are warning signs. Severe symptoms can worsen quickly, especially after exposure to a trigger or when a reliever inhaler is not helping.

Sit upright and stay with the person. Follow their personal asthma action plan and use the prescribed reliever exactly as directed. Call emergency services immediately if breathing remains severe, speech is difficult, the person becomes drowsy, or the reliever is not working. Do not make them lie flat, drive them yourself if they are deteriorating, or give food and drink to someone who is confused or exhausted.

Treat sudden severe breathlessness, blue or grey colouring, fainting, confusion, or collapse as an emergency. Get urgent assessment after any attack that feels unusually severe, returns soon after treatment, or leaves ongoing breathing difficulty. Emergency clinicians may give oxygen, inhaled medicines, steroids, or nebuliser treatment while checking airflow and vital signs.

Ask which symptoms mean you should call emergency services, how to follow your written action plan, and whether your inhaler technique and medicines need review. Discuss likely triggers, a reliever supply, and what a family member should do if you cannot speak.