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Is it an emergency? Asthma

Asthma attacks can be life-threatening. Symptoms include acute breathlessness or difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, coughing and wheezing.

If an asthma attack doesn't respond to your normal medication, get medical help immediately, says the American College of Emergency Physicians.

If you're having routine asthma attacks or you're having asthma attacks more frequently than usual, you should make an appointment with your doctor to review your asthma treatment plan.

Reviewed 12/04/2022