Five thousand people in the US die of asthma each year. Many of these deaths could be avoided. Often people who die either underestimate the severity of their attack or do not seek emergency attention quickly enough.
Coping with an acute asthma attack is a frightening experience. To deal with asthma, you and those around you need the knowledge to know when an attack is becoming acute, and the confidence to take prompt action.
Always remember that you probably know your own or your child's asthma better than anyone - you have lived with it so if you become frightened, do not delay, seek help.
Note: the words acute asthma and severe attack are used interchangeably.
As in all emergency-type situations you are better prepared if you have thought through how the situation is to be dealt with. Asthma attacks will be less frightening and dangerous if you follow the "Asthma Action Plan" worked out with your doctor or asthma educator, and understand acute asthma attacks.
Read more: Asthma Emergency Overview
You are at home. It's 3:30am and you are having difficulty breathing. The question is: "Should I go to the emergency centre?" Asthmatics and parents of asthmatics probably ask themselves or their doctor this question more often than people who have almost any other condition do.
Read more: Checklist of Acute Symptoms
Read more: Managing an Acute Asthma Attack
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