What are common signs and symptoms of an asthma attack?

What are common signs and symptoms of an asthma attack?

• A. Feeling drowsy and faint
• B. Feeling restless and wheezing on exhalation
• C. Chest tightness and headache
• D. Excessive coughing and fever

Answer: (B)

The signs and symptoms of an asthma attack primarily include difficulties in breathing characterized by wheezing, especially during exhalation. During an asthma attack, the airways become inflamed and constricted, making it hard for air to pass through. This leads to the characteristic wheezing sound, a high-pitched whistling that occurs when air struggles to move through the narrowed airways. Restlessness can also be noted because the person may feel anxious or panicked due to the inability to breathe properly. While the other options mention various symptoms, they do not specifically reflect the hallmark manifestations of an asthma attack. For instance, while an asthma attack can cause feelings of tightness in the chest (which might be inclined towards option C), it does not typically cause a headache as a primary symptom and fever is not a common indicator of asthma; it might indicate an underlying infection that could exacerbate respiratory issues but is not intrinsic to asthma itself. Hence, the combination of restlessness and wheezing on exhalation encapsulates the acute respiratory distress experienced during an asthma attack effectively.

The signs and symptoms of an asthma attack primarily include difficulties in breathing characterized by wheezing, especially during exhalation. During an asthma attack, the airways become inflamed and constricted, making it hard for air to pass through. This leads to the characteristic wheezing sound, a high-pitched whistling that occurs when air struggles to move through the narrowed airways. Restlessness can also be noted because the person may feel anxious or panicked due to the inability to breathe properly.

While the other options mention various symptoms, they do not specifically reflect the hallmark manifestations of an asthma attack. For instance, while an asthma attack can cause feelings of tightness in the chest (which might be inclined towards option C), it does not typically cause a headache as a primary symptom and fever is not a common indicator of asthma; it might indicate an underlying infection that could exacerbate respiratory issues but is not intrinsic to asthma itself. Hence, the combination of restlessness and wheezing on exhalation encapsulates the acute respiratory distress experienced during an asthma attack effectively.