Definition of acute asthma
Acute asthma is also referred to as an asthma exacerbation or asthma attack
Asthma exacerbations are episodes characterized by a progressive increase in symptoms of shortness of breath, cough, wheezing or chest tightness and progressive decrease in lung function.
Exacerbations occur in
- People with pre-existing diagnosis of asthma
- First presentation of asthma
Key features of acute asthma
- Inflammation (oedema)
- Smooth muscle contraction
- Airway narrowing
Definition of asthma exacerbation in young children
For children aged 5 years and below, consider the following symptoms:
Cough, Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing, Wheezing, Chest tightness.
In addition to the above symptoms, consider the following:
Early symptoms of an asthma exacerbation in ‘young children’ may include the following:
- Onset of symptoms of a respiratory tract infection
- Acute or a sub-acute increase in wheeze or shortness of breath
- Increase in coughing especially during sleep
- Lethargy or reduced exercise tolerance
- Impairment of daily activities including feeding