When should a patient with asthma seek emergency care?

A patient with asthma should seek emergency care when experiencing severe shortness of breath. This symptom indicates a significant exacerbation of asthma that may lead to inadequate oxygenation and potentially life-threatening situations. Severe shortness of breath often means that the airways are substantially narrowed, making it difficult for the patient to breathe adequately, which requires immediate medical intervention.

In the context of asthma management, recognizing the severity of symptoms is crucial. Mild coughing is typically a manageable symptom and may not require emergency assistance. Similarly, needing to refill an inhaler indicates ongoing management of the condition rather than an acute episode, and well-controlled symptoms suggest that the patient is effectively managing their asthma without the need for urgent care. Therefore, recognizing when symptoms escalate, especially to the point of severe shortness of breath, is critical for ensuring patient safety and appropriate treatment.