Asthma attack symptoms
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Consensus Meter
Asthma Attack Symptoms: A Comprehensive Overview
Common Respiratory Symptoms of Asthma Attacks
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by episodic and reversible airflow obstruction, airway hyper-responsiveness, and underlying inflammation. The most common respiratory symptoms during an asthma attack include wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath . These symptoms are often triggered by environmental allergens, irritants, or other specific triggers such as cold air, exercise, and viral respiratory infections.
Non-Respiratory Symptoms of Asthma Attacks
In addition to the well-known respiratory symptoms, asthma attacks can also present with a variety of non-respiratory symptoms. These include tiredness, sleepiness, depression, nose and throat symptoms, skin itching, limb and back aches, palpitations, increased sweating, and dizziness. These symptoms can occur just before or during an asthma attack, providing early warning signs for patients to take preventive measures.
Emotional and Psychological Symptoms
Asthma attacks are not only physically distressing but can also be accompanied by significant emotional and psychological symptoms. Panic-fear and irritability are common affective states reported by patients during acute asthma episodes . These mood symptoms are often associated with the severity of the attack and can influence the patient's response to treatment. Females, in particular, report experiencing panic-fear and fatigue more frequently than males.
Fatigue and Energy Levels
Fatigue is a prevalent symptom during asthma attacks, with many patients reporting a significant reduction in energy levels . This symptom is often associated with both mood symptoms and airway obstruction, indicating a complex interplay between physical and emotional factors during an asthma episode.
Hyperventilation and Hypocapnia
Hyperventilation and hypocapnia are somatic symptoms that some patients experience during asthma attacks. These symptoms are more closely related to emotional states such as panic-fear and irritability rather than the physical symptoms of airway obstruction . Understanding these patterns can help in managing the emotional aspects of asthma.
Warning Symptoms and Self-Management
Many asthma patients report warning symptoms such as cough, chest tightness, and shortness of breath before an asthma attack. Recognizing these early signs can be crucial for effective self-management and timely intervention. However, a significant proportion of patients lack confidence in managing their symptoms, highlighting the need for better education and support.
Conclusion
Asthma attacks are multifaceted events characterized by a range of respiratory, non-respiratory, emotional, and psychological symptoms. Understanding the full spectrum of symptoms can aid in better management and treatment of asthma, improving the quality of life for those affected. Recognizing early warning signs and addressing both physical and emotional aspects of asthma are essential for effective self-management and reducing the severity of attacks.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic