Final answer:
Acute episodes of asthma are characterized by coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness. Severe cases necessitate urgent care and may show additional symptoms such as blue lips, confusion, and rapid heartbeat. Treatment varies based on severity and frequency of attacks.
Step-by-step explanation:
Acute episodes of asthma typically present clinically with symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness. These symptoms are indicative of an asthma attack in which the airways in the lungs become inflamed and narrowed, often accompanied by excess mucus production. Severe asthma attacks require immediate medical attention and may present with blue lips or face, confusion, drowsiness, rapid pulse, sweating, and severe anxiety.
Long-term treatments are utilized for those with more frequent and severe asthma episodes, while short-acting drugs are employed for immediate relief during an attack, usually administered through an inhaler or nebulizer.