What is a late sign of an asthma attack?

• A. Hyperventilation
• B. Wheezing
• C. Cyanosis
• D. Cough

Answer: (C)

In an asthma attack, signs progress as obstruction worsens. Early on, the patient often breathes rapidly and may have wheezing as air passes through narrowed airways, with coughing and chest tightness common. As obstruction becomes severe and gas exchange deteriorates, oxygen levels fall. Central cyanosis—bluish discoloration of the lips, tongue, or face—appears as a late, worrisome sign of hypoxemia and respiratory failure, signaling the need for urgent intervention.

Hyperventilation tends to be an early response to distress rather than a late sign. Wheezing can occur early, and may even be reduced or absent if airflow is severely limited (a “silent chest”), so it isn’t reliably a late sign. Cough is common but not specifically a late indicator of escalating severity.