During
an asthma attack, also called an asthma exacerbation, your airways
become swollen and inflamed. The muscles around the airways contract,
causing your breathing (bronchial) tubes to narrow. During an asthma
attack, you may cough, wheeze and have trouble breathing. An asthma
attack may be minor, with symptoms that get better with prompt home
treatment, or it may be more serious. A severe asthma attack that
doesn't improve with home treatment can become a life-threatening
emergency.
