What is a sign of status asthmaticus that requires immediate medical attention?

Severe shortness of breath is a critical sign of status asthmaticus that necessitates immediate medical intervention. In this severe form of asthma exacerbation, the airways become significantly constricted, leading to an inability to breathe adequately. This condition can result in respiratory failure if not treated promptly.

The presence of severe shortness of breath indicates that the patient's respiratory muscles are struggling to deliver enough oxygen to the body and could lead to hypoxemia. In such cases, immediate action, such as administering bronchodilators or systemic corticosteroids, is required to relieve the bronchospasm and restore normal breathing.

In contrast, while frequent coughing can occur in asthma, it isn't an immediate indicator of an acute life-threatening event. Stable oxygen saturation suggests that the patient is currently managing their oxygen levels adequately, which would not warrant urgent attention. Fatigue after exercise may be an expected symptom for someone with asthma but does not indicate an acute episode that requires prompt response. Overall, the severity of shortness of breath directly correlates with the urgency for immediate treatment in status asthmaticus.