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Definition
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mild asthma
moderate asthma
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testing peak flow
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acute severe attack
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mast cell stabilizer
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Asthma Symptoms: Severe
Symptoms of a severe asthma attack include:
  • Peak expiratory flow is less than 50% of personal best Images
  • Severe wheezing
  • Severe difficulty breathing
  • Inability to speak in complete sentences
    • Sentences are interrupted by breathing
  • Inability to lie down
  • Signs of severe difficulty breathing:
    • Rib retractions: ribs are visible during each breath Images
    • Nasal flaring: nostrils open wide during each breath Images
    • Use of accessory muscles: neck muscles are prominent during each breath Images
  • Confusion
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Last Updated: Apr 1, 2008  References
Authors: Stephen J. Schueler, MD; John H. Beckett, MD; D. Scott Gettings, MD
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