Final answer:
Early signs and symptoms of an asthma attack as per the NATA's position statement include coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness. Severe attacks may lead to cyanotic lips or face, confusion, and other critical symptoms, requiring immediate medical attention.
Step-by-step explanation:
Early Signs and Symptoms of an Asthma Attack
The National Athletic Trainers' Association (NATA) provides a position statement on preventing sudden death in sports, which includes the identification of early signs and symptoms of an asthma attack.
These symptoms include coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, and tightness of the chest.
A severe asthma attack which requires immediate medical attention can present symptoms such as difficulty breathing leading to blue (cyanotic) lips or face, confusion, drowsiness, a rapid pulse, sweating, and severe anxiety.
Asthma exacerbations can be triggered by a variety of environmental factors such as pollutants, allergens, and cold air.