An exacerbation (attack) of asthma is experienced as a worsening of asthma symptoms with breathlessness and cough (often worse at night). In<unk> , breathlessness may be so<unk>  that it is impossible to speak more than a few words (inability to complete sentences). On examination, the respiratory rate may be elevated (more than 25 breaths per minute), and the heart rate may be rapid (110 beats per minute or faster). Reduced oxygen saturation levels (but above 92%) are often encountered. Examination of the lungs with a stethoscope may reveal reduced air entry and/or widespread wheeze. The peak expiratory flow can be measured at the bedside; in<unk> , the flow is less than 50% of a person's normal or predicted flow. Very<unk>  acute asthma (termed "near-fatal" as there is an immediate risk to life) is characterised by a peak flow of less than 33% predicted, oxygen saturations below 92% or cyanosis (blue discoloration, usually of the lips), absence of audible breath sounds over the chest ("silent chest"), reduced respiratory effort and visible exhaustion or drowsiness. Irregularities in the heartbeat and abnormal lowering of the blood pressure may be observed.<unk>  asthma attack can cause symptoms such as: * Shortness of breath * Can't speak in full sentences * Feel breathless even when lying down * Chest feels tight * Bluish tint to the lips * Feeling agitated, confused, and unable to concentrate * Hunched shoulders, and strained muscles in stomach and neck * Feeling the need to sit or stand up to breathe more easily
Acute severe asthma
Thunderstorm asthma
Yokkaichi asthma
Cardiac asthma
Brittle asthma
Acute bronchitis
Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
COACH syndrome