An asthma attack is the episode in which bands of muscle surrounding the airways are triggered to tighten. This tightening is called bronchospasm. During the attack, the lining of the airways becomes swollen or inflamed and the cells lining the airways produce more and thicker mucus than normal.

All of these conditions -- bronchospasm, inflammation, and mucus production -- cause symptoms such as:

·         Difficulty in breathing

·         Wheezing

·         Coughing

·         Shortness of breath

·         Difficulty performing normal daily activities

Other symptoms of an asthma attack include:

·         Severe wheezing when inhaling and exhaling

·         Persistent coughing 

·         Extreme rapid breathing

·         Chest pain or pressure

·         Tightened neck and chest muscles, this is called retractions

·         Difficulty talking

·         Feelings of anxiety

·         Feelings of panic

·         Pale face

·         Sweaty face

·         Blue lips

·         Blue fingernails

Allergens (substances that cause asthma attacks:

·         Dust and dust mites

·         Pollen

·         Grass

·         Mold

·         Tobacco smoke (or smoke from burning wood, leaves, paper, etc.)

·         Animal dander

·         Feathers

·         Cockroaches and related insects

·         Chemicals and chemical fumes

·         Including perfumes

·         Room deodorizers

·         Paint

·         Adhesives

·         Cleaning products

·         Outdoor air pollution (such as ozone and sulfur dioxide)

·         Nsaids (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, indomethacin, and ibuprofen)

·         Sulfites (commonly used as a preservative for processed foods and beverages)

·         Some cooking odors

The severity of an asthma attack can escalate rapidly, so it is important to treat these asthma symptoms immediately once you recognize them.

Without immediate treatment, such as your asthma inhaler or bronchodilator, your breathing will become more labored. If you use a peak flow meter at this time, the reading will probably be greater than 50 percent.

As your lungs continue to tighten, you will be unable to use the peak flow meter at all. Gradually, your lungs will tighten so there is not enough air movement to produce wheezing. This is sometimes called the "silent chest," and it is an ominous sign. You need to be transported to a hospital immediately. Unfortunately, some people interpret the disappearance of wheezing as a sign of improvement and fail to get prompt emergency care.

If you do not receive adequate asthma treatment, you will eventually be unable to speak and will develop a bluish coloring around your lips. This color change, known as cyanosis, means you have less and less oxygen in your blood. Without aggressive treatment for this asthma emergency, you will lose consciousness and eventually die.

If you are experiencing an asthma attack, follow the "Red Zone" or emergency instructions in your Asthma Action Plan immediately. These symptoms occur in life-threatening asthma attacks. You may need medical attention right away.