Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:
- Difficulty breathing: Your breathing becomes labored, wheezing is persistent and severe, or you feel like you can’t get enough air. Rapid breathing: You’re breathing significantly faster than normal, and your ribs are pulling in with each breath. Chest tightness: You experience a feeling of pressure or constriction in your chest, making it hard to expand your lungs. Blueish discoloration of lips or fingernails (cyanosis): This indicates a serious lack of oxygen. Silent chest: Absence of wheezing despite difficulty breathing, a sign of severe airway obstruction. Increased heart rate: Your pulse is noticeably faster than usual. Confusion or drowsiness: These symptoms may result from severe oxygen deprivation. Inability to speak in complete sentences: Shortness of breath makes it difficult to talk.
When to Contact Your Doctor Sooner Than Later
Schedule an appointment with your doctor if you notice:
Increased frequency of asthma attacks: Your attacks are occurring more often than usual, even with medication. Decreased effectiveness of your medication: Your usual inhaler or other treatments aren’t providing relief. Worsening symptoms despite medication: Your symptoms are progressively getting worse, even after using your medication. New or worsening allergy symptoms: You’re experiencing new allergies or a significant increase in allergy symptoms that are impacting your asthma. Persistent cough or wheezing: These symptoms persist even when you’re not experiencing an asthma attack.
Don’t Delay Necessary Care
Remember, early intervention is key to managing asthma effectively. Ignoring severe symptoms can lead to serious complications. Contact emergency medical services immediately if you experience life-threatening symptoms.
