What can be a sign of increasing severity of asthma symptoms?

An increased respiratory rate is a key indicator of worsening asthma symptoms. When asthma becomes more severe, the airway constriction makes it challenging to breathe, leading to an increase in respiratory effort as the body struggles to obtain sufficient oxygen. This heightened respiratory rate reflects the body's compensatory mechanism to maintain adequate ventilation despite obstructed airways.

In contrast, a decreased need for accessory muscles would suggest that breathing is becoming easier, which does not correlate with increasing severity. Similarly, reduced chest tightness and lower incidence of coughing would indicate an improvement or control of asthma symptoms rather than worsening. Understanding these signs is vital for monitoring asthma and making timely interventions.