Dealing with Worsening Asthma

Severe asthma attacks (exacerbations) can be life-threatening. Most people with severe asthma attacks should be treated under close supervision in a hospital emergency department.

Asthma attacks may be caused by a variety of triggers, including environmental allergens, infections from viruses, pollutants, and medications. Avoiding a trigger may prevent an asthma attack.

Milder asthma attacks are serious, but they are generally treatable outside of a hospital setting.

Asthma is a variable condition, so expect the unexpected. The first step is to recognize what an asthma attack (exacerbation) looks like.