What Is an Asthma Flare-Up?
During an asthma flare-up, asthma symptoms get worse. You may have only one or two symptoms, or you might have several. Circadian rhythms (your body’s internal "clock") can also alter hormone secretion, which is why some healthcare experts theorize that asthma gets worse at night in some people.
Mild Flare-Up
During a mild asthma flare-up, you might experience coughing, wheezing, or mild breathing difficulties. You should be able to walk around normally and speak in full sentences.
Moderate Flare-Up
During a moderate asthma flare-up, you’ll have symptoms like shortness of breath and wheezing while you talk, exhale, or lie down. You might feel like you’re straining your neck to breathe deeply. Your PEF reading could be between 50% and 80% of your personal best.
Severe Flare-Up
During a severe asthma flare-up, your PEF reading might be less than 50% of your personal best. Breathing will be labored, and it might be difficult to talk, walk, or even move around much. You might feel confused, anxious, disoriented, or drowsy.
Symptoms
When your asthma symptoms flare up, certain signs and symptoms are worth keeping an eye on:
- Coughing
- Rapid breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Tightness in the chest
- Wheezing (a high-pitched squeaking or whistling sound when breathing)
- Nighttime asthma symptoms that were not occurring prior to the flare-up
- You might also notice that you must use your asthma medications more frequently to achieve the same effect.
Severe Symptoms
In some cases, asthma can become a medical emergency. If left untreated, an asthma flare-up can lead to respiratory failure and even death. The symptoms of a severe asthma flare-up include:
- Chest pain
- Color changes in fingernails, lips, or face
- Confusion
- Difficulty talking
- Rapid breathing
- Severe shortness of breath
Develop an Action Plan
Your asthma action plan is a detailed guide to managing and treating your asthma symptoms. In addition to providing information for you, your healthcare providers, and family and friends on what to do during a mild, moderate, or severe asthma flare-up, an asthma action plan should include:
- Your medical history, including allergies and co-occurring medical conditions
- Contact information for your loved ones, the emergency department, your healthcare provider, and any other pertinent people
- Information about your medications, including the dose, frequency, and instructions on how to administer them in an emergency
Take Medication
Take your asthma medications on time and as prescribed. If you use a rescue inhaler, make sure to bring it with you everywhere you go. If your healthcare provider prescribes you preventive controller medications, take them even when you’re not having asthma symptoms.
Prevention
You can prevent asthma flare-ups by avoiding triggers, creating an asthma action plan, and taking your asthma medication as prescribed.
A Word From Verywell
If your asthma symptoms get worse, it’s important to treat them right away. In severe cases, asthma can lead to respiratory failure, which can be fatal. Seek emergency help if your asthma flare-up is persistent or reaches the point where you feel it’s out of control.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does an asthma flare-up last?
- Depending on its severity, an asthma flare-up may last a few minutes. Then again, it may last several hours or even several days. Asthma flare-ups can happen at any time.
- Why does my asthma flare up at night?
- Asthma symptoms tend to flare up at night because you sleep in a reclined position that can trigger a cough. Your sleeping position may be causing symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD), which can make asthma symptoms worse.
- Can an asthma flare-up cause fever?
- Asthma flare-ups do not cause fever. The symptoms of an asthma flare-up include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. However, you might have a fever during an asthma flare-up due to an infection or illness. Respiratory infections and other illnesses can sometimes trigger asthma symptoms.
