A to Z: Asthma, Attackenparentshttps://kidshealth.org/EN/images/headers/P-khAZDictionary-enHD-AR1.jpgLearn more about asthma attacks, when asthma symptoms suddenly become severe.asthma attack in child, asthma attack in toddler, asthma attack in preschooler, asthma attack in gradeschooler, asthma attack in teen, asthma, attacks, asthma attacks, flare ups, flares, flare-ups, wheezing07/16/201203/18/201909/02/2019b133a720-e144-46eb-8ecb-a95d01e9ac8dhttps://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/parents/az-asthma-attack.html/<p><a href="https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/parents/dictionary/"><img class="right" title="Parents image" src="https://kidshealth.org/EN/images/buttons/P-atoZDictionary-enBT.jpg" alt="A to Z Dictionary 500 Go" name="5093-P_ATOZDICTIONARY2_ENBT.JPG" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Also called: Asthma Flare-Up</strong></p>
<p>An asthma attack, or <a href="https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/parents/flare-up.html/">flare-up</a>, happens when a person's asthma symptoms suddenly get worse. It becomes difficult to breathe because airways are inflamed and clogged with mucus.</p>
<h2>More to Know</h2>
<p><a href="https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/parents/center/asthma-center.html/">Asthma</a> symptoms include wheezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. In an asthma attack, these symptoms get more severe and happen more often. Triggers (like cold air or exercise) or <a href="https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/parents/allergies-asthma.html/">allergens</a> (such as pet dander or pollen) cause most asthma attacks.</p>
<h3>Keep in Mind</h3>
<p>An asthma attack can last hours or even days without treatment and can be life threatening. To help prevent asthma attacks, people with asthma should follow their <a href="https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/parents/action-plan.html/">asthma action plan</a>; take all <a href="https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/parents/no-asthma-medication.html/">medications</a> as directed; keep <a href="https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/parents/rescue-controller.html/">rescue medicine</a> on hand at all times; take <a class="kh_anchor">peak flow meter</a> readings as recommended by their doctor; and avoid <a href="https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/parents/asthma-triggers.html/">triggers</a> and allergens.</p>
<p><em>All A to Z dictionary entries are regularly reviewed by KidsHealth medical experts.</em></p>Asthma CenterVisit our Asthma Center for information and advice on managing and living with asthma.https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/teens/center/asthma-center.html/fcf87d3b-2976-44ee-843e-5d897168cc59Asthma Flare-UpsFind out how to deal with — and help prevent — asthma flare-ups ("attacks"), which is when asthma symptoms get worse.https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/parents/flare-up.html/2018e264-fc69-4b92-a962-b6e8b650ba49Asthma MovieTake a look inside a person's lungs when asthma is making it hard to breathe.https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/kids/asthma-movie.html/e42227e4-e329-4427-9733-77939c2f0167Dealing With an Asthma Flare-UpAsthma flare-ups, or attacks, can be handled, but it's even better if you can prevent them from happening. Find out how to deal with flare-ups.https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/teens/asthma-flare-up.html/2e8420d7-f9f8-49da-ae1b-7e4a0250bc21Definition: Asthma Flare-UpWhen a person has a lot of trouble with wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath, it's called an asthma flare-up, or attack.https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/teens/asthma-flare.html/0b1cb65c-2288-408a-b37c-8ad9a9a02854First Aid: Asthma Flare-UpsDuring a flare-up or attack, it's hard to breathe. While some flare-ups are mild, others can be life threatening, so it's important to deal with them right away.https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/parents/asthma-flare-sheet.html/512da67f-1e8f-4038-95d0-03beffb9ad64Handling an Asthma Flare-UpHow can you prepare for an asthma flare-up? Find out in this article for kids.https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/kids/asthma-flare-up.html/299f548c-fa21-4edd-8681-ede63bc903f8How Do Asthma Medicines Work?Kids who have asthma need to take medicine. But what kind of medicine do they take and what does it do? Let's find out.https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/kids/asthma-medicines.html/310702af-b801-44ef-955f-c318ec618a71Your House: How to Make It Asthma-SafeIf you have asthma, you want to breathe easy at home. Find out how in this article for kids.https://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/kids/house-asthma.html/60f3530d-39a9-465f-816b-cc47acb6ff50kh:age-allAgesOrAgeAgnostickh:clinicalDesignation-allergykh:clinicalDesignation-pulmonologykh:genre-dictionarykh:primaryClinicalDesignation-pulmonologyPulmonology A to Zhttps://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/parents/dictionary/az-pulm/8b11d6c4-0956-412e-9db7-0bcd2e4150e1Ahttps://kidshealth.org/ws/RadyChildrens/en/parents/dictionary/a/891958dd-782d-4b8e-b649-d7c34f646eechttps://kidshealth.org/EN/images/buttons/P-atoZDictionary-enBT.jpg