Experience of Asthma Attacks

• Difficulty breathing
• Inability to speak full sentences
• Tugging in of skin between the ribs and at the base of the neck
• Cough or wheeze
• Reduced response to reliever medications

Asthma attacks can be life-threatening, leading to:

• Inability to speak
• Confusion and exhaustion
• Chest pain or tightness
• Severe hypoxia
• Unconsciousness
• Death

Asthma attacks can be quite frightening and very serious, not only for the patients but also for the people around them. People with severe asthma report teaching their loved ones not to panic during an attack, as this does not help. Asthma attacks should be treated seriously, with immediate response with reliever medications. Emergency assistance should be contacted if no improvement occurs. A written asthma action plan should include details on actions to take during an asthma attack and when to go to the hospital.

While most patients report high quality paramedic and emergency department (ED) staff care, continuity of care can be an issue following acute episodes. This is an important issue, as any disease attack / exacerbation should prompt a full review of an individual’s asthma management plan.

Some hospitals (e.g. Hunter and New England Hospital) provide a ‘fast-track’ service for people with severe asthma, which reduces Emergency Department waiting times and provides targeted and specialist care.

“When you get into the real bad stuff….it feels like the snake on your arm just restricting…until you can’t breathe….when you get to that stage, it’s scary”
Video provided by Associate Professor Lorraine Smith and Ms. Daniela Eassey, University of Sydney.