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Risk factors

By Mayo Clinic staff

Anyone who has asthma is at risk of an asthma attack. You may be at increased risk of a serious asthma attack if:

  • You've had a severe asthma attack in the past
  • You've previously been admitted to the hospital or had to go to the emergency room for asthma
  • You use more than two quick-relief (rescue) inhalers a month
  • Your asthma attacks tend to "sneak up" on you before you notice symptoms have worsened
  • You have other chronic health conditions, such as sinusitis or nasal polyps
References
  1. Mangan JM, et al. What do patients need to know about their asthma? http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 26, 2010.
  2. Krouse JH, et al. Asthma: Guidelines-based control and management. Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America. 2008;41:397.
  3. Fanta CH. Treatment of acute exacerbations of asthma in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Oct. 26, 2010.
  4. Expert Panel Report 3 (EPR3): Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Asthma. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/asthma/asthgdln.htm. Accessed Oct. 26, 2010.
  5. Li JT (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 4, 2010.
DS01068 Jan. 6, 2011

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