This can be life threatening; it is common in people with asthma but can also be a symptom of a serious medical emergency. 

Asthma is a disease in which the air passages in the lungs become narrower from swelling and extra mucous thus limiting airflow

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

1. Sudden onset of wheezing
2. Shortness of breath 
3. Constant coughing
4. Chest tightness
5. Stooped body posture
6. Extreme difficulty breathing with the chest and neck pulled in
7. Anxiety
8. Sweating

FIRST AID

1. Allow person to find most comfortable position 
2. Loosen any tight clothing
3. If patron has prescribed medicine for asthma, provide assistance
4. Alert EMS if patron does not improve within 5 minutes after initial treatment with medication. 
5. If the patron does not have asthmatic medication available alert EMS. Symptoms rarely resolve on their own.