When to Go to the Hospital for an Allergic Asthma Attack

Asthma attacks can be life-threatening. If you have allergic asthma, it means that your symptoms are triggered by exposure to certain allergens, such as pollen, pet dander, or tobacco smoke.

Read on to learn about the symptoms of a severe asthma attack, basic first-aid steps, and when you need to go to the hospital.

The first step in treating an allergic asthma attack is to use a rescue inhaler or other rescue medication. You should also move away from any source of allergens that might be triggering the attack.

If symptoms don't improve after using rescue medications, or you have severe symptoms, call for emergency medical help. In the United States, that means dialing 911 to call for an ambulance.

Severe asthma attacks share many symptoms with mild to moderate asthma attacks. The key difference is that the symptoms of a severe allergic asthma attack don't improve after taking rescue medication.

You might wonder how you can tell the difference between symptoms of a severe attack that requires emergency treatment versus a mild attack that you can treat on your own. Always seek emergency medical attention if your rescue medication doesn't seem to be working. You should go to the hospital if you notice any of these symptoms:

• intense shortness of breath and difficulty speaking
• very rapid breathing, coughing, or wheezing
• straining chest muscles and difficulty breathing
• a bluish color in the face, lips, or nails
• difficulty inhaling or exhaling completely
• gasping
• confusion or exhaustion
• fainting or collapsing

If you use a peak flow meter — a device that measures your peak airflow — you should go to the hospital if your readings are low and aren't improving.

In a life-threatening asthma attack, a coughing or wheezing symptom may disappear as the attack worsens. If you can't speak a full sentence or you experience other breathing difficulties, seek medical attention.

If your symptoms respond quickly to your rescue medication, and you can walk and talk comfortably, you may not need to go to the hospital.

Everyone who lives with allergic asthma can help protect their health by learning the basics of asthma first-aid.

A good preventive step is to create an asthma action plan with your doctor. Here's an example worksheet to create an asthma action plan, provided by the American Lung Association. An asthma action plan can help you be prepared if your symptoms flare up.

If you're having an allergic asthma attack, address your symptoms right away. If your symptoms are mild, take your quick-relief medication. You should feel better after 20 to 60 minutes. If you get worse or don't improve, then you should get help now. Call for emergency medical help and take these steps while you wait for help to arrive.

Take medication and move away from triggers

As soon as you notice symptoms of an asthma attack, such as wheezing or chest tightness, take your rescue inhaler. Pay attention to whether you may have been exposed to allergens that trigger your asthma, such as pets or cigarette smoke. Move away from any source of allergens.

Ask someone to stay with you

It's risky to be alone if you're having an asthma attack. Let someone in your immediate area know what's happening. Ask them to stay with you until your symptoms improve or emergency help arrives.

Sit upright and try to stay calm

During an asthma attack, it's best to be in an upright posture. Don't lie down. It also helps to try to stay calm, since panic may worsen your symptoms. Try to take slow, steady breaths.

Continue using rescue medication as instructed

If your symptoms are severe, use your rescue medication while you wait for help. Follow the instructions that your doctor or pharmacist provided for using your rescue medication in an emergency. The maximum dosage will vary based on the medication.

Don't hesitate to call for emergency help if you're experiencing asthma symptoms. An asthma attack can worsen quickly, especially in children.

Allergic asthma attacks are triggered by exposure to allergens. The symptoms can sometimes be confused with anaphylaxis, another potentially life-threatening condition.

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction to allergens such as:

• certain medications
• insect bites
• foods like peanuts, eggs, or shellfish

Some common symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

• swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat
• shortness of breath, wheezing, and difficulty breathing or talking
• dizziness or fainting

Developing these symptoms after you're exposed to an allergen usually suggests anaphylaxis, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

If you're unsure if you're having a severe allergic asthma attack or anaphylaxis and you have injectable epinephrine with you, take it. Dial 911 to call for an ambulance immediately.

Epinephrine will help alleviate the symptoms of both allergic asthma and anaphylaxis until you can get to the hospital.

Severe allergic asthma attacks and anaphylaxis can be fatal, so it's important to seek care at the first sign of symptoms.

If you're admitted to a hospital emergency room with an allergic asthma attack, the most common treatments may include:

• short-acting beta-agonists, the same medications used in a rescue inhaler
• a nebulizer
• oral, inhaled, or injected corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in the lungs and airways
• bronchodilators to widen the bronchi
• intubation to help pump oxygen into the lungs in severe cases

Even after your symptoms stabilize, your doctor may want to observe you for several hours to ensure there isn't a subsequent asthma attack.

Recovery from a severe allergic asthma attack can take anywhere from a few hours to several days. It depends on the severity of the attack. If there was damage to the lungs, ongoing treatment may be needed.

Most cases of allergic asthma are triggered by inhaled allergens. For example, the most common triggers are:

• pollen
• mold spores
• pet dander, saliva, and urine
• dust and dust mites
• cockroach droppings and fragments

Less commonly, some foods and medications can trigger asthma symptoms, including:

• eggs
• dairy products
• peanuts and tree nuts
• ibuprofen
• aspirin

You can manage allergic asthma and help prevent asthma attacks by avoiding triggers and taking your medication as prescribed. If you're still experiencing symptoms on a regular basis, talk to your doctor. You may need a change to your treatment plan or more guidance about avoiding triggers.

Sticking to your treatment plan can help prevent your asthma symptoms from worsening. If you're taking multiple treatments but still experiencing symptoms, you may need more help managing your condition.

Asthma is considered severe when it's uncontrolled or only partially controlled, even if the person takes multiple treatments, such as inhaled corticosteroids, oral corticosteroids, or inhaled beta-agonists.

A number of factors may contribute to asthma symptoms worsening, including:

• not taking medication as prescribed
• difficulty managing allergies
• ongoing exposure to allergens
• chronic inflammation of the upper respiratory tract
• other health conditions, such as obesity

If you have severe allergic asthma, your doctor may recommend a combination of prescription medications, complementary therapies, and lifestyle changes. These options may help you manage the condition more effectively.

A severe allergic asthma attack can be life-threatening. It's important to seek emergency help as soon as your symptoms start. If you're experiencing asthma symptoms on a regular basis, your doctor may suggest making a change to your treatment plan to help you better manage your condition.