Asthma Attack Warning Signs & When to Get Help NOW

Your chest feels tight. Breathing is getting harder. You reach for your inhaler—but it’s not helping like it usually does.

Is this just asthma, or is this an emergency?

Here’s how to know—and what to do about it.

⚠️ Early Warning Signs: Your Asthma Is Getting Worse

Asthma attacks don’t always come out of nowhere. Your body usually gives you warning signals:

• 😤 Increased breathlessness during normal activities
• 💨 Wheezing or whistling sounds when you breathe
• 😮‍💨 Coughing more than usual (especially at night)
• 💪 Chest tightness or pain
• 💊 Needing your rescue inhaler more often
• 😴 Waking up at night because you can’t breathe

👉 If you’re noticing these signs, don’t wait for it to get worse. Walk into Night Watch in Manassas for evaluation and treatment adjustment.

🚨 Asthma Attack: Get Help IMMEDIATELY

Some symptoms mean you need urgent medical care right now:

🚨 SEVERE ASTHMA ATTACK 🚨 Come to Night Watch Manassas NOW or Call 911 Extreme difficulty breathing — can’t speak in full sentences Lips or fingernails turning blue/gray Using stomach muscles to breathe (chest is pulling in) Rescue inhaler isn’t working Peak flow in red zone (if you use a meter) Feeling confused or very drowsy Symptoms getting worse fast

🏥 Night Watch vs. Emergency Room: Which One?

Not sure where to go? Here’s how to decide:

🚑 Go to the ER If:

• Lips/fingernails are blue or gray
• You can’t speak more than a few words at a time
• You’re becoming confused or losing consciousness
• Your rescue inhaler has no effect at all

✅ Come to Night Watch Manassas If:

• You’re having trouble breathing but can still talk
• Your inhaler helps a little but not enough
• Your asthma is getting worse over hours/days
• You’re wheezing and coughing more than usual
• You need evaluation and stronger treatment

💊 What We Can Do at Night Watch

We treat asthma attacks every day. Here’s how we help:

• 🫁 Breathing treatments (nebulizers) — Fast-acting medication to open airways
• 💉 Steroid medications — Reduce inflammation quickly
• 🩺 Oxygen monitoring — Check your blood oxygen levels
• 📋 Updated asthma action plan — So you know what to do next time
• 💊 Prescriptions — Sent to your pharmacy before you leave

⏰ Don’t Wait Until You Can’t Breathe

Asthma attacks that go untreated can become life-threatening. The earlier you get help, the faster you’ll feel better—and the less likely you’ll end up in the hospital.

If you’re using your rescue inhaler more than twice a week, your asthma isn’t well-controlled. Come see us.

📋 Quick Action Plan MILD symptoms (wheezing, coughing): → Use rescue inhaler, rest, monitor closely MODERATE symptoms (trouble breathing, inhaler not helping much): → Come to Night Watch Manassas NOW for treatment SEVERE symptoms (can’t talk, blue lips, extreme distress): → Call 911 or get to ER immediately

We’re Open When Asthma Strikes in Manassas

Asthma doesn’t care if it’s 9 PM or Saturday morning. That’s why we’re here!

When you can’t catch your breath, don’t wait.

Walk into Night Watch Urgent Care – Manassas. We’ll help you breathe easier.