Whats the difference between an Asthma attack and having Asthma?

What is the difference?

Sometimes my friend will be lyk "oh i just have asthma right now"

and at other times he would say something lyk "I had an asthma attack".

I know asthma attacks are when you cant breathe, but isnt having asthma the same thing? And if having an asthma attack means abruptly, they cant happen abruptly right? something needs to trigger it?

And if you are sleeping and you wake up and have an asthma attack, what caused that?

Sorry for so many questions, 10 points to best answer.

First off. I've had Asthma since I was born. In some areas it's bad. Alot of the main things that trigger Asthma are (but are not limited to) Pollution (I once lived on a Air Force Base so that gave me alot of trouble),Pollen,if you have any Animal Allergys that can trigger it, Smoke (definately),and Changing of the seasons (it might be just for me =(.). Also having a Asthma attack is not always serious. Although it should be treated immediately it can range from just a slight shortness of breath to where you can barely breathe to not being able to breathe at all. Everyone with Asthma should have a strong enough Inhaler nearby incase of a Attack since they can come randomly. I know this since I've had them recently. For awhile I was having a slight shortness of breath and I shrugged it off then 3 months later as I was watching a movie I fell asleep. I woke up near the end barely being able to breathe. I had to rush to the hospital to get a inhaler. After learning from that mistake I always carry it everywhere. Asthma Attacks would most likely wake you up if you're sleeping and as I said they can be random or there could've been some source in your house as in Smoke,Dander, etc. etc. Something doesn't always need to trigger it to answer that question. It's completely random. Asthma has always been around, and yes people have died from it before there was a treatment available. Currently there are Inhalers,Nebulizers,and portable Nebulizers for treatments that I know. Asthma is not curable and it can be developed in life. Not everyone developes it and it's uncommon to see someone develope it. I hope this answers most of your questions and if not just say so and I'll post additional info. about Asthma. It's something serious but it can be controled if you're prepared. Hope this helps ^^.

first off every episode of difficult breathing is not asthma. many things can trigger breathing difficulty. next asthma is a chronic condition, that is you dont just wake up at night with asthma. having asthma requires that the patient meet specific criteria to render that diagnosis. also if one is diagnosed with asthma then the saying is "asthma is only asthma when you are having an attack". that means a person with asthma can go about their business for weeks, months at a time and never know they have a problem, then all of a sudden something triggers an asthma attack with certain signs and symptoms occuring rapidly. its unpredictable but usually very treatable. however a person with a serious asthma attack is at risk of dying if they are not treated early - at the first sign of wheezing begin inhalers, if no effective response get to a doctor or ER. your first objective is to establish a reason for your shortness of breath, wheezing, night time difficulty etc. then proceed with appropriate treatment, dont assume you have something because some else says this thing is like their thing. for the most part you likely have little to worry about but do need to be seen..

well im an chronic asthmatic so ive had my fair share of attacks a few hospital trips when i was young for it.
Asthma is a breathing disorder witch you are usually born with often genetic, some people can develop it but it is uncommon.
An Asthma attack is when some starts coiffing or wheezing or has a shortness of breath this is usually caused by exercise, colds, smoke and other things it varies from person to person what cause the Asthma attack.
in reply to your question Asthma is what the person has where as the Asthma Attack is the result of having Asthma. So you probably wouldn't notice that someone had Asthma unless they were having an attack.

Having asthma means having asthma attacks. Usually people with asthma have constricted airways. Which makes you prone to asthma attacks. And no asthma attacks are not triggered by anything just having the diesease. Which means that it can happen anytime even when asleep.

no idea
they are prob the same tho....