How long does an asthma attack last?

Medically reviewed by Sally Chao, MD. Last updated on Jan 23, 2025.

Official Answer by Drugs.com

An asthma attack or flare-up can last a few minutes if it is mild or hours to days if it is severe. The duration varies based on the trigger and how long the airways have been inflamed.

During an asthma attack, your airways become more sensitive to asthma triggers such as:

Pollen
Dust mites
Animal dander
Smoke

When this occurs, the lining of the airways can become inflamed. In addition, the muscles around the airways tighten and your airways may become clogged with mucus. As a result, your lungs can’t move air in and out efficiently, causing:

Breathing difficulty
Wheezing
Chest tightness

By contrast, the airways are fully open during normal breathing, and air moves in and out with ease.

Treating an asthma attack

Asthma treatment typically involves a long-term daily controller(s), plus another rescue inhaler for asthma attacks. These short-acting rescue inhalers can usually stop an asthma attack by relaxing the airways. If the asthma attack is more serious, systemic steroids may be needed to reduce airway inflammation. If necessary, asthma medications and treatment regimens can be adjusted to minimize the number, severity and duration of asthma attacks.

Some asthma attacks are severe and will require immediate medical attention. If asthma medication is not working and breathing is getting worse, not better, call 911 or go to the emergency department.

References

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Asthma. May 21,2020. Available at: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/asthma. [Accessed November 9, 2020].
American Academy of Family Physicians. How to Treat an Asthma Attack. July 1, 2011. Available at: https://www.aafp.org/afp/2011/0701/p49.html. [Accessed November 9, 2020].
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Asthma Attack. Available at:
https://acaai.org/asthma/symptoms/asthma-attack. [Accessed November 9, 2020].

Can severe asthma lead to COPD?

Severe and poorly controlled asthma can lead to damaged lungs which may increase the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Symptoms of asthma and COPD may frequently co-exist in smokers and the elderly. Continue reading

What is considered severe asthma?

Severe asthma is when you require medium to high-dose inhaled corticosteroids combined with other longer-acting medications. Severe asthma can also be defined as having a peak expiratory flow rate (PEF or PEFR) less than 50% of your personal best. This shows severe narrowing of your large airways and is considered a medical emergency and you should get help right away. Your symptoms may include coughing, being very short of breath, wheezing while breathing in and out, or retractions (this is when you can see the muscles between the ribs working hard to keep you breathing). Walking and talking may also be difficult. Continue reading

How is severe asthma treated?

Severe asthma is treated by using higher doses of inhaled corticosteroids or using inhaled corticosteroids more frequently; taking oral corticosteroids or being given corticosteroid injections; with continuous inhaled nebulizers; using ipratropium bromide aerosols; taking long-acting beta-agonists (LABAs) such as albuterol or formoterol, which help keep the airways open for about 12 hours; leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRAs), such as montelukast or zafirlukast; slow-release theophylline; long-acting muscarinic receptor antagonists (LAMAs) such as tiotropium bromide or glycopyrronium bromide; with biologics such as omalizumab, mepolizumab, reslizumab, benralizumab, or dupilumab.

How long does an asthma attack last?

Read next

Can severe asthma lead to COPD?

What is considered severe asthma?

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