How to Handle Asthma Flare-Ups

During an asthma flare-up (or attack), the airways in the lungs become irritated and swollen, making breathing harder.

Some flare-ups are mild, but others can be life-threatening. So it's important to know how to spot them and deal with them right away.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of an Asthma Flare-Up?

Of an asthma flare-up include:

wheezing
coughing
chest tightness
shortness of breath

Of a severe asthma flare-up include:

trouble breathing even when sitting still
trouble speaking without pausing
feeling tired or drowsy
blueness around the lips
the areas below the ribs, between the ribs, and in the neck pull in with each breath

What Should I Do if My Child Has an Asthma Flare-Up?

Doctors usually give patients a detailed asthma action plan that includes how to prevent and handle flare-ups. If your child has an asthma flare-up, follow the plan's treatment guidelines. Because each child's asthma is different, each action plan will be too.

Get Emergency Medical Care or Call 911 if Your Child:

begins to show signs of a severe flare-up
has a flare-up that enters the danger zone (red zone) of the asthma action plan

What Can Help Prevent Asthma Flare-Ups?

To help prevent flare-ups:

Help your child to avoid the triggers that can cause flare-ups.
If your child is supposed to take a medicine every day, they should keep taking it, even if they feel fine and don’t have any symptoms.
If your child starts to feel asthma symptoms, they should take the medicine prescribed for quick relief of symptoms. If they already take a daily medicine, the “quick-relief” medicine might be extra doses of the daily medicine, or it might be a different type.
If your child uses an inhaler, they should always use a spacer with it.
Make sure your child always has medicine available for quick relief of symptoms (at home, at school, etc.).
Be sure your child gets a flu shot every year and is up to date on their COVID-19 vaccine.
Work with the doctor to follow your child's asthma action plan.