How long does an asthma attack last?
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].
Read next
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
Which measure is the single best determinant of asthma severity?
A peak expiratory flow rate (PEF or PEFR) is the single best determinant of asthma severity. A PEF measurement is a quick test to measure air flowing out of the lungs. During the test, you blow forcefully into the mouthpiece of a device, usually a peak flow meter (PFM), which is a portable, light, handheld device made of plastic. If the test is done in a healthcare provider's office or a hospital a much larger device, called a spirometer, is usually used. This device has a handheld mouthpiece that’s attached by a cord to a larger electronic machine. Continue reading
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