Asthma is not \u201cjust a wheeze\u201d or feeling \u201cout of breath.\u201d Sometimes people with asthma will experience severe, potentially life-threatening symptoms and need to go to a hospital. Asthma leads to about 1 million emergency department visits and 100,000 inpatient hospital stays per year.1<\/sup>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_gallery gallery_ids=”30479,25293,30487″ posts_number=”3″ orientation=”portrait” admin_label=”3 Images: Medical care” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” width=”50%” max_width=”75%” module_alignment=”center” animation_style=”flip” animation_delay=”150ms” custom_css_free_form=”selector {|| max-width: none !important;|| width: 100% !important;||}||||selector .et_pb_gallery_items {|| display: flex !important;|| gap: 15px !important;|| justify-content: center !important;||}||||selector .et_pb_gallery_item {|| margin: 0px !important;||}||||@media screen and (max-width: 800px) {|| selector .et_pb_gallery_items {|| flex-direction: column !important;|| align-items: center !important;|| }|| || selector .et_pb_gallery_item {|| width: 75% !important;|| }||}” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_gallery][et_pb_text admin_label=”Page Content – Intro” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]Needing hospital care for asthma can bring a mix of emotions, including confusion about what to expect and what comes next. Recovery doesn\u2019t end at discharge. Having a clear plan can help keep your asthma under control and avoid future asthma episodes.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”On this page” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ link_font=”||||on|||#008c99|” link_text_color=”#008c99″ link_line_height=”1.7em” ul_line_height=”1.7em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” header_3_font=”|600|||||||” header_3_text_align=”left” header_3_text_color=”#008c99″ header_3_font_size=”28px” background_color=”#F5EDDF” custom_padding=”4%|4%|4%|4%|true|true” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]This guide will walk you through:<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Page Content – Outro” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]Having the right information and support can help you feel prepared and in control of your asthma management.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Page Content – When to Get Emergency Help: Signs of a Severe Asthma Episode or Attack” module_id=”emergency-help” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_font_size=”19px” text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”28px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” custom_css_free_form=”selector img {|| box-shadow: 0px 12px 18px -6px rgba(0, 0, 0, .3);||}” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Don\u2019t have one yet? Download AAFA\u2019s Asthma Action Plan and bring to your next visit: Asthma Action Plan<\/a>. The Asthma Action Plan is divided into 3 zones:\u200b<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Page Content – Your Asthma Is Doing Good When You Are” module_id=”asthma-action-plan” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_font_size=”19px” text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”28px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n In the Green\/Go Zone<\/strong><\/span>, you have few, if any, daytime or nighttime symptoms. Continue using your daily controller medicine if prescribed.<\/p>\n You are in the Yellow\/Caution Zone<\/strong><\/span> when you first start having more severe or more frequent asthma signs or symptoms. Signs and symptoms that your asthma is getting worse include:<\/p>\n When you are in the Yellow\/Caution Zone<\/strong><\/span>, take your asthma medicines as listed in your Asthma Action Plan. Pay attention to your symptoms until they improve. If you continue to have symptoms, call your doctor.<\/p>\n Signs and symptoms of an asthma emergency that need urgent medical care:<\/p>\n Asthma can make it harder to get oxygen to the brain and body. This can be life-threatening. Signs this is happening include:<\/p>\n Red\/Danger Zone<\/strong><\/span> symptoms are a medical emergency. Take your quick-relief medicine (albuterol) right away. Your Asthma Action Plan will tell you how many puffs of your inhaler to take or how much to nebulize and how often to repeat it. Shake your albuterol inhaler between every puff.<\/strong> If symptoms do not improve, get immediate medical attention. Call 911 or go directly to the emergency room. <\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Callout” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ link_font=”||||on|||#008c99|” link_text_color=”#008c99″ link_line_height=”1.7em” ul_line_height=”1.7em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” header_3_font=”|600|||||||” header_3_text_align=”left” header_3_text_color=”#008c99″ header_3_font_size=”28px” background_color=”#F5EDDF” custom_padding=”4%|4%|4%|4%|true|true” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n RELATED CONTENT: How to Know If Your Asthma Is Not Under Control<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Page Content – Going to the Hospital for Asthma” module_id=”hospital-for-asthma” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_font_size=”19px” text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”28px” header_4_text_color=”#383838″ custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n When you arrive, health care professionals will give you a medical exam to determine the best course of treatment to get your asthma under control. This can include:<\/p>\n If your symptoms improve for at least 1 to 2 hours after your last bronchodilator dose, you may be discharged. If your symptoms continue or are difficult to control, you may be admitted to stay inpatient (overnight). You may be asked to take lung function tests<\/a> throughout your stay to see how well the treatment is working.<\/p>\n For inhalers to work well, you must use them correctly. But 70 to 90% of people who use inhalers make at least 1 mistake when using their inhaler.2<\/sup> This can mean the medicine you need is not fully reaching your lungs. This can lead to uncontrolled or worsening asthma. Before you are discharged: Ask if a respiratory therapist can demonstrate your inhaler and check that you are using it correctly.<\/strong><\/p>\n If you are starting any new medicines, ask the nurse, doctor, or pharmacist to review them with you so you can ask questions.<\/p>\n Ask how to know your asthma is improving, and when you should return to the hospital or emergency department if it is not.<\/p>\n If you already have a doctor who monitors your asthma, you need to follow up with them so they can check your lungs and symptoms. If you do not yet see a specialist for asthma, ask if the hospital can refer you to an allergist or pulmonologist.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Page Content – What to Do After You Are Discharged from Hospital for Asthma” module_id=”hospital-stay” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_font_size=”19px” text_line_height=”1.5em” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”28px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Common side effects of oral corticosteroids<\/a> (steroid pills):<\/p>\n These side effects are usually normal and short-lived. Do not avoid taking your medicines just because of side effects.<\/strong> Talk with your health care professional if you have any side effects that concern you.<\/p>\n Take it easy, slow, and prioritize rest. Recovery is different for everyone. It can take a few days to weeks to feel back to your normal. Lean on your friends and loved ones for support as you recover.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_cta button_url=”http:\/\/aafa.org\/join” button_text=”JOIN NOW” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#692D87″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]You don\u2019t have to manage your asthma alone. If you could benefit from support, join our free 24\/7 online community. You can connect with other people who understand what it\u2019s like to live with asthma and allergies.[\/et_pb_cta][et_pb_text admin_label=”Page Content – How to Avoid Future Asthma Episodes” module_id=”Avoid-Asthma” module_class=”secondary-intro” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_font_size=”19px” text_line_height=”1.5em” header_font=”||||||||” header_2_font=”||||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”28px” custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n People with asthma have inflamed airways which are sensitive to things that may not bother other people. These things are \u201ctriggers.\u201d Asthma triggers<\/a> vary from person to person. Some people react to only a few while others react to many.<\/p>\n Common triggers include:<\/p>\n You can be exposed to triggers at work, home, school, and public spaces.<\/p>\n Take steps to avoid asthma triggers and reduce exposure:<\/strong><\/p>\n Here are more tips for better asthma control:<\/strong><\/p>\n Take care of your general health. Try to get plenty of sleep and exercise. Eat healthy foods as much as possible, stay hydrated, and find ways to manage stress.[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Callout” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ link_font=”||||on|||#008c99|” link_text_color=”#008c99″ link_line_height=”1.7em” ul_line_height=”1.7em” header_2_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_text_color=”#008c99″ header_2_font_size=”39px” header_3_font=”|600|||||||” header_3_text_align=”left” header_3_text_color=”#008c99″ header_3_font_size=”28px” background_color=”#F5EDDF” custom_padding=”4%|4%|4%|4%|true|true” box_shadow_style=”preset2″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) is collaborating with Sharecare to support wellness in people with asthma. Sharecare\u2019s\u202fCondition Education Centers provide information and resources on managing asthma in children and adults. Visit\u00a0Sharecare\u2019s\u00a0resource centers for\u202fchildhood asthma<\/a>\u202fand\u202fadults with asthma.<\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=”Medical Review” module_class=”med-rev” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” text_text_color=”#505050″ text_font_size=”16px” link_text_color=”#008C99″ link_font_size=”16px” header_5_font=”|600|||||||” header_5_text_align=”left” header_5_text_color=”#008c99″ custom_margin=”||3%||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n This health message is brought to you by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America with support from Sanofi and Regeneron.<\/em><\/p>\n Medical review<\/strong><\/a>: July 2026 by Maureen George, PhD, RN, AEC, FAAN [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_accordion open_toggle_text_color=”#FFFFFF” open_toggle_background_color=”#f0f0f0″ closed_toggle_text_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_background_color=”#f0f0f0″ toggle_icon=”L||divi||400″ icon_color=”#FFFFFF” use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”20px” disabled_on=”off|off|off” admin_label=”Accordion – References” module_id=”references” module_class=”accord pa-accordion” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” toggle_text_color=”#FFFFFF” toggle_font=”|600|||||||” toggle_font_size=”22px” closed_toggle_font=”|600|||||||” closed_toggle_font_size=”22px” body_font=”||||||||” body_text_color=”#505050″ body_font_size=”16px” body_line_height=”1.4em” body_link_font=”||||on|||#008C99|” text_orientation=”left” height=”24″ custom_margin=”||2%||false|false” custom_css_free_form=”.et_pb_toggle_title:before {|| font-size: 20px;|| position: absolute;|| color: #FFFFFF;|| font-family: ETmodules !important;|| font-weight: 400 !important;|| content: %22%924c%22 !important;|| right: 2% !important;|| display: inline-block !important;||}||.accord .et_pb_toggle_content {|| color: #008c99;|| font-size: 16px;|| font-weight: 500;||}” border_width_all=”0px” saved_tabs=”all” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_accordion_item title=”Closed” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.25.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_accordion_item][et_pb_accordion_item title=”References” _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” open=”off”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_accordion_item][\/et_pb_accordion][et_pb_code admin_label=”Print” module_id=”print” module_class=”clearfix” _builder_version=”4.17.6″ _module_preset=”default” global_module=”5156″ saved_tabs=”all” global_colors_info=”{}”]\n
When to Get Emergency Help: Signs of a Severe Asthma Episode or Attack<\/h2>\n
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The severity of your asthma symptoms can be divided into asthma zones.<\/a> These zones use the colors of a traffic light to help you know which zone you are in and when to use your asthma medicines or get emergency help. These zones are based on symptoms. Your health care professional will outline what medicines and steps to take for each zone.<\/p>\n\n
Your Asthma Is Doing Good When You Are in the Asthma Green\/Go Zone<\/h3>\n
Your Asthma Is Worsening When You Are in the Asthma Yellow\/Caution Zone<\/h3>\n
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Your Asthma Is an Emergency When You Are in the Red\/Danger Zone<\/h3>\n
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Going to the Hospital for Asthma<\/h2>\n
What to Bring<\/h3>\n
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What Treatments to Expect for Asthma in the Emergency Department<\/h3>\n
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Questions to Ask While in the Hospital or Emergency Department for Asthma<\/h3>\n
1. \u201cAm I using my inhaler, spacer, or nebulizer correctly?\u201d<\/h4>\n
2. \u201cWhat medicines am I being prescribed to take at home?\u201c<\/h4>\n
3. \u201cWhat are signs that I need to return to the hospital?\u201d<\/h4>\n
4. \u201cHow soon should I follow up with my doctor? Do I need a referral to a specialist?\u201d<\/h4>\n
What to Do After You Are Discharged from Hospital for Asthma<\/h2>\n
Within the First 2-7 Days<\/h3>\n
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The Following Weeks After an Asthma Emergency<\/h3>\n
How to Avoid Future Asthma Episodes<\/h2>\n
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<\/a> and Spanish<\/a>) to help identify and reduce triggers.<\/li>\n\n
Editorial review:<\/strong> July 2026 by Melanie Carver, AAFA Chief Mission Officer<\/p>\n\n