In what situation should a patient seek emergency medical care for asthma?

A patient should seek emergency medical care for asthma when their symptoms remain unchanged after using a rescue inhaler. This situation indicates that the patient is not responding to their quick-relief medication, suggesting a potential asthma exacerbation that could lead to severe airway obstruction. Failure to improve after using a rescue inhaler is a critical sign that immediate medical attention is necessary to avoid respiratory distress and complications.

Mild symptoms typically do not warrant emergency care, as they can often be managed with a rescue inhaler or routine medication adjustments. Exercise-induced asthma does require monitoring, but it does not automatically necessitate emergency intervention unless the patient experiences significant breathing difficulties that do not resolve. Similarly, seeking medical assistance before using any medication is not advisable, as patients are usually instructed to use their rescue inhaler for immediate relief before considering emergency services. Thus, the inability to alleviate symptoms despite medication use signifies a serious situation requiring urgent care.