Red Flags & When to Go In Person for Asthma (Mild Exacerbation)

Audience: adult

Asthma is a condition that affects your airways, making it harder to breathe when symptoms worsen. A mild asthma exacerbation means your symptoms have increased but are often manageable. However, some signs mean you should seek in-person medical care immediately. This guide helps adults understand when to use telemedicine and when to go to a healthcare facility for asthma flare-ups. Telemedicine can support mild symptoms by reviewing your medications and offering advice. But if your breathing worsens quickly, or you have serious symptoms, in-person care is essential. Knowing the red flags and preparing for your tele-visit can help you manage asthma safely and effectively.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Difficulty speaking full sentences due to breathlessness — seek emergency care immediately.
• Blue or gray lips or face indicating low oxygen — go to emergency room right away.
• Rapid worsening of symptoms despite using inhaler — get urgent medical attention.

What telemedicine can do

• Reviewing mild asthma symptoms and medication use.
• Providing education on asthma management and trigger avoidance.
• Monitoring stable asthma with patient-reported symptoms and peak flow readings.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe breathing difficulty or respiratory distress.
• Signs of low oxygen such as blue lips or confusion.
• Emergency situations requiring immediate physical examination or interventions.

What Is a Mild Asthma Exacerbation?

A mild asthma exacerbation means your asthma symptoms are worse than usual but not severe. You might notice more coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. These symptoms often improve with your usual quick-relief inhaler. Mild flare-ups usually do not cause major changes in your daily activities or sleep.

When to Use Telemedicine for Mild Asthma Symptoms

Telemedicine can be helpful if your symptoms are mild and stable. A healthcare provider can check your symptoms, review your inhaler use, and suggest adjustments. They can also help you understand how to avoid asthma triggers and when to seek urgent care. Telemedicine visits are convenient and reduce exposure to infections.

Red Flags: When to Seek In-Person Care Immediately

Certain signs mean your asthma flare-up is more serious and needs urgent evaluation:

If you notice any of these, call emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Preparing for a Telemedicine Visit

Before your tele-visit, gather important information:

Make sure you have a quiet, well-lit space and a reliable internet connection.

After Your Telemedicine Visit: What to Do Next

Follow the healthcare provider's advice carefully. This may include:

If your symptoms worsen or you develop any red flags, seek in-person care promptly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Have your list of current asthma medications ready.
• Note how often you have used your inhaler recently.
• Record any recent peak flow meter readings, if available.
• Prepare to describe your symptoms clearly and when they started.
• Find a quiet, well-lit place with a stable internet connection for your tele-visit.

After your tele-visit

• Follow medication adjustments as instructed by your healthcare provider.
• Monitor your symptoms and peak flow readings daily.
• Avoid known asthma triggers to prevent worsening symptoms.
• Schedule follow-up care if symptoms do not improve or worsen.
• Seek immediate in-person care if red flag symptoms develop.

FAQs

Can telemedicine help me manage my asthma flare-ups?

Yes, telemedicine can help you manage mild asthma flare-ups by reviewing your symptoms, medications, and providing advice. However, it is not suitable for severe or emergency situations.

What should I do if my quick-relief inhaler is not working?

If your inhaler does not improve your symptoms quickly or your breathing worsens, seek emergency medical care immediately. This is a red flag that requires in-person evaluation.

How can I prepare for a telemedicine visit about my asthma?

Prepare by having your medication list, symptom history, and peak flow readings ready. Find a quiet space with good internet, and be ready to describe your symptoms clearly.

When should I go to the emergency room for asthma?

Go to the emergency room if you have difficulty speaking, blue lips, severe breathlessness, rapid worsening symptoms, or confusion. These signs mean your asthma may be life-threatening.

Can I adjust my asthma medication on my own?

Do not change your medication without consulting a healthcare provider. If you have a written asthma action plan, follow it. Otherwise, seek advice via telemedicine or in-person care.

Sources

1. Asthma — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Asthma Care Quick Reference: Diagnosing and Managing Asthma — National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI).
3. Asthma — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
4. Asthma: Symptoms and Causes — Mayo Clinic.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you experience severe symptoms or red flags, seek emergency medical attention immediately.