Are people always hospitalized when they have an asthma attack?

No: In the vast majority of cases and asthma exacerbation does not require admission to a hospital. It can be treated at home by the patient and, if needed, the help of a physician.

No: Asthma is a controllable chronic disease. Acute exacerbations occur, but if you are under good control with daily medications you should not need to be hospitalized during an acute attack. The key to staying out of the hospital is taking your medications as prescribed and developing a good action plan with your physician so you are prepared when the symptoms act up.