What should be monitored when someone is experiencing asthma symptoms?

Monitoring a person's ability to speak during an asthma episode is crucial because it provides insight into the severity of their asthma symptoms. When someone is experiencing an asthma attack, their airway may become constricted, making it difficult for them to breathe and speak. A person having a mild asthma attack may still be able to speak in full sentences, while someone experiencing a more severe attack may struggle to get out even a few words before needing to breathe again. If they are unable to speak a full sentence without pausing for breath, this can indicate a worsening of their condition, signaling that immediate medical intervention is necessary.

While the color of their skin can offer some clues about oxygenation, it is not as immediate or telling as their ability to speak. Weather conditions can serve as triggers for asthma symptoms but are not a direct measure of the current severity of the attack. The types of food eaten are generally not relevant to monitoring asthma symptoms unless there is a known food allergy involved. Thus, monitoring the ability to speak is the most direct and effective way to assess the severity of asthma symptoms during an episode.