What is the duration of an acute asthma attack?

An acute asthma attack typically lasts from a few minutes to several hours, but can extend into days or even weeks if the underlying asthma is not well-controlled. During an acute attack, the inflammation and constriction of the airways lead to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.

When left untreated or improperly managed, an acute attack can escalate and result in prolonged episodes of symptoms, potentially lasting for days. It's important to recognize that while individual episodes may resolve relatively quickly, ongoing symptoms that persist for longer periods indicate uncontrolled asthma and the need for medical intervention and management.

Understanding this can highlight the importance of proper asthma management plans, including recognizing triggers and adhering to prescribed medication regimens.