When people with asthma are exposed to allergens, such as dust mites, pollens, pet dander, molds and cockroaches, the bronchial tubes of their lungs become inflamed. Also, the cells lining their airways start producing excess mucus and the muscles around their lungs tighten. All these make the bronchial tubes narrower, making breathing difficult and aggravating asthma symptoms, such as coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

In some cases, the symptoms worsen very rapidly – to the point where an asthma attack occurs. This is known as an acute asthma attack. An acute asthma attack can also occur from infections in the upper respiratory tracts. The greater the degree of control over the asthma, the less the severity of the asthma attack. However, all acute asthma attacks can be fatal. Even quick-relief medications may not help in the recovery from such attacks. At this point, i.e. when an asthma inhaler (albuterol) is not effective for treating an acute asthma attack, the condition is known as “status asthmaticus”.

An attack of status asthmaticus requires immediate hospitalization and treatment. Without treatment, the attack would only worsen; the bronchial tubes would become more and more obstructed, leading to a serious shortage of oxygen in the body and, ultimately, death.