Status asthmaticus is a severe form of asthma with symptoms similar to a typical asthma attack. In status asthmaticus, symptoms may worsen as the attack continues, and typical treatment may not help.

Status asthmaticus is an older, less precise term for what’s now more commonly known as acute severe asthma or a severe asthma exacerbation.

It refers to an asthma attack that doesn’t improve with traditional treatments, such as inhaled bronchodilators. These attacks can last for several minutes or even hours.

Read on to learn more about the symptoms of status asthmaticus and how you can manage this condition to avoid complications.

The symptoms of status asthmaticus often start out just like those of a regular asthma attack. These initial symptoms include short, shallow breaths, wheezing, and coughing.

However, symptoms of status asthmaticus tend to get worse or fail to improve as the attack goes on. For example, wheezing and coughing might stop if you aren’t getting enough oxygen.

Other symptoms of an asthma attack associated with status asthmaticus include:

  • difficulty breathing
  • heavy sweating
  • trouble speaking
  • fatigue and weakness
  • abdominal, back, or neck muscle pain
  • panic or confusion
  • blue-tinted lips or skin
  • loss of consciousness

Experts aren’t sure why some people with asthma develop severe asthma or why it doesn’t respond to typical asthma treatments. But it’s usually caused by the same triggers that contribute to traditional asthma attacks, which include:

It might also be related to poorly controlled asthma. That’s why it’s so important to follow the treatment plan you develop with your doctor.

Anyone with asthma is at risk of status asthmaticus. In just 2016, more than 42% of all people with asthma reported having an asthma attack in the past 12 months.

So what puts you at risk? Putting yourself in contact with any of the avoidable triggers listed above. But other things are unavoidable. Asthma is more common in boys than in girls, for instance.

Where you live can also affect your risk. A 2020 study of asthma in inner-city children found that the number of reported asthma symptom days went down 29% for every 100 meters the children lived or attended school away from a major road.

A 2022 review of studies found that low income, inadequate housing, and racial disparities in healthcare all contribute to a great risk of having asthma, asthma attacks, and hospitalization due to asthma.

To diagnose acute severe asthma, your doctor will start by doing an initial assessment of your breathing. They’ll ask about your symptoms and what kinds of treatments you’ve tried in the past.

If you’re currently having a severe asthma attack, they’ll do some tests to get more information about your breathing and airways, such as:

  • how many breaths you take per minute
  • how many times your heart beats per minute
  • whether you’re able to breathe when lying flat
  • the amount of air you breathe out when you exhale
  • the amount of oxygen in your blood
  • the amount of carbon dioxide in your blood

They might also perform a chest X-ray to rule out pneumonia or other lung infections. They may also use an electrocardiogram to rule out any heart issues.

Status asthmaticus is usually a medical emergency. It doesn’t respond to traditional asthma treatments, which can make it hard to treat. Even if a medication or breathing treatment hasn’t worked for you in the past, your doctor may try them again in higher doses or in combination with other treatments.

Common treatments include:

  • higher doses of inhaled bronchodilators, such as albuterol or levalbuterol, to open up your airways
  • oral, injected, or inhaled corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
  • ipratropium bromide, another type of bronchodilator different than albuterol
  • an epinephrine shot
  • temporary ventilation support

You might need to try a variety of treatments in combination with each other before you find something that works.

Optum Now is owned by RVO Health. By clicking on this link, we may receive a commission. Learn more.

Status asthmaticus is a serious condition that can lead to other health issues if not properly managed. Some of these can be very serious, so it’s important to keep following up with your doctor until you find a treatment plan that works for you.

Possible complications from severe asthma include:

There’s no way to completely prevent severe asthma attacks if you have asthma. However, there are several things you can do to greatly reduce your risk of having one.

The most important step is sticking with your doctor’s treatment plan. Even if your symptoms seem to be improving and you aren’t having any attacks, don’t stop any treatments until your doctor tells you to.

Other preventive measures you can take include:

  • Use a peak flow monitor: This portable device measures how much air comes out of your lungs when you quickly exhale. Keep track of your readings to see if you notice any patterns.
  • Monitor your triggers: Try to keep a running list of certain situations or activities that often accompany your attacks. This can help you avoid them in the future.
  • Carry an extra inhaler: Always keep an extra inhaler with you for emergencies. If you’re traveling, bring some extra medication with you. Check the expiration date for your medications and confirm refills are on file at the pharmacy.
  • Talk with friends and family: Tell those close to you how to recognize the signs of a severe asthma attack and why they should take you to a hospital if they notice them. People who don’t have asthma might not realize how serious your condition is.

Status asthmaticus is a serious condition that requires ongoing management. However, most people respond well to treatment for a severe asthma attack in an emergency room at a hospital. However, some people may need hospital admission or, rarely, intensive care.

Follow up with your doctor as recommended, even if you feel completely better, and work with your doctor to come up with a treatment plan that manages your symptoms and reduces your risk of having another attack.

Status asthmatics is an older term for what is now called acute severe asthma or severe asthma exacerbation. If you have an acute severe asthma attack or episode, you need to seek immediate medical care and will likely need to go to the emergency room for treatment.

Most people who experience acute severe asthma respond well to urgent treatment. It’s important to develop an asthma action plan with your doctor so you know what to do if you experience an asthma emergency.

Rapid treatment is necessary and very effective. It’s also important to understand your asthma treatment plan and to follow it to help manage your asthma.