What should I do if I have a severe asthma attack?

What should I do if I have a severe asthma attack?

If you have a severe asthma attack, you need to get immediate medical care.

The first thing you should do is use your rescue inhaler. A rescue inhaler uses fast-acting medicines to open up your airways. It’s different than a maintenance inhaler, which you use every day. You should use the rescue inhaler when symptoms are bothering you and you can use it more frequently if your flare is severe.

If your rescue inhaler doesn’t help or you don’t have it with you, go to the emergency department if you have:

• Anxiety or panic.
• Bluish fingernails, bluish lips (in light-skinned people) or gray or whitish lips or gums (in dark-skinned people).
• Chest pain or pressure.
• Coughing that won’t stop or severe wheezing when you breathe.
• Difficulty talking.
• Pale, sweaty face.
• Very quick or rapid breathing.