If you live with asthma, you may experience asthma attacks, which can make it difficult to breathe. Asthma attacks can be serious and cause death. Understanding the warning signs, sticking to a plan, and avoiding your triggers can help.

People with asthma can sometimes have asthma attacks. When this happens, their airways become inflamed and narrowed, making it hard to breathe. Read on to learn more about preventing asthma attacks and avoiding risk factors for death.

Asthma attacks can be serious and can also be fatal. During a severe asthma attack, you may not get enough oxygen into your lungs and can even stop breathing.

Receiving proper treatment for an asthma attack is vital. That’s why it’s so important to follow the asthma action plan you’ve developed with your doctor and seek emergency treatment when necessary.

The symptoms of an asthma attack can include:

  • coughing or wheezing
  • shortness of breath
  • a tight feeling in your chest

A mild asthma attack may last only a few minutes and respond to rescue medication. However, moderate or severe asthma attacks may last longer and, in some cases, don’t respond to rescue medication.

Asthma emergency

Seek help immediately if you experience any of these symptoms:

  • breathlessness or wheezing that’s severe or rapidly worsens
  • shortness of breath that’s so bad you can only speak in short phrases
  • straining hard to breathe
  • lips or fingernails that have turned a gray or blue color
  • no symptom relief after using your medication

Recognizing the warning signs that an asthma attack may be coming can help you summon help quickly if one does occur. Some warning signs to look out for include:

  • asthma symptoms that have become more frequent or disruptive to your day-to-day activities
  • needing to use your rescue inhaler more often
  • having symptoms that are keeping you up at night

Ensuring you get the assistance you need

Make sure that your family, friends, and those close to you know what to do if you have an attack. Keep a copy of your medications and emergency contacts, including your doctor, on your phone so you can show it to others who may come to your aid during an attack.

If your asthma is very severe, you may consider getting a medical ID bracelet that can alert first responders to your condition. Phone apps can also help you and your doctor monitor your symptoms.

Some risk factors for death from asthma include:

Some groups have an increased risk of death due to asthma:

  • According to the World Health Organization (WHO), most asthma-related deaths occur in low or lower-middle-income countries.
  • More women than men die from asthma, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
  • Asthma deaths increase with age, according to data from the American Lung Association.
  • African American people are two to three times more likely to die from asthma than other racial or ethnic groups, according to the CDC.

Besides the potential to be fatal, several other complications can occur due to asthma. These can include:

  • symptoms that disrupt your day-to-day activities or hobbies
  • increased absences from school or work
  • permanent narrowing of your airways, which can affect how you breathe
  • side effects from medications that you’ve been using to manage your asthma
  • repeated visits to your doctor or the emergency room
  • psychological side effects, such as depression

Prevention measures can help you avoid a severe asthma attack. Some examples of preventive actions that you can take include:

Following your asthma action plan

Work with your doctor to develop a personalized action plan to help manage your asthma. Your plan will include things like how often to take your asthma medications, when to step up your treatment, when to consult your doctor, and what to do if you have an asthma attack.

Make copies of your asthma action plan for reference. You can also keep a photo of your plan on your phone. It’s a good idea to share this information with family and loved ones so they know what to do if you have an attack. If you’re not well enough to make your own medical decisions, it’s important they know to get you to medical help as quickly as possible.

Avoiding your triggers

Several things can trigger an asthma attack. Asthma triggers can vary from person to person, so it’s important to know yours. Some common triggers include:

  • allergens, such as pollen, mold, or pet dander
  • air pollution
  • secondhand smoke
  • cold weather
  • exercise
  • irritants, such as dust, perfumes, or chemical fumes
  • respiratory illnesses, such as the flu or a cold

Monitoring your condition

Make sure to have regular appointments with your doctor to review your condition. If you notice a change in your symptoms that’s concerning, be sure to talk with your doctor about it. In some cases, your treatment or asthma action plan may need updating.

According to the CDC, 3,517 people die from asthma each year. Additionally, The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America estimates that about 10 people in the United States die from asthma each day.

Data also indicates that asthma attack deaths can peak in the cold months of the year. This is likely due to the cold air or seasonal respiratory illnesses triggering asthma attacks.

Most deaths from asthma are avoidable through proper treatment and prevention measures. Additionally, ensuring that people with asthma are able to recognize the symptoms of an oncoming asthma attack, take their medication properly, and seek emergency treatment when necessary can go a long way in preventing deaths from asthma.

Asthma attacks can be fatal. A severe asthma attack can prevent you from getting enough oxygen into your lungs and can even stop your breathing. Seek emergency medical attention if you’re experiencing the symptoms of a severe asthma attack.

Working with your doctor, you can develop an asthma action plan. By carefully following this plan, monitoring your symptoms, and avoiding your asthma triggers, you can help lower your chances of experiencing a severe asthma attack.