Which symptom indicates immediate intervention is needed during an asthma attack?

During an asthma attack, the presence of intercostal retractions is a critical symptom that indicates the need for immediate intervention. Intercostal retractions occur when the muscles between the ribs are used excessively to help with breathing due to increased work of breathing. This suggests that the patient is experiencing significant respiratory distress and struggling to get enough air into the lungs.

The use of accessory muscles for breathing, as evidenced by retractions, points to a possible severe obstruction of the airways, where the efforts to breathe become labored and insufficient. Immediate intervention is crucial in this scenario to alleviate the airway obstruction and prevent further respiratory compromise.

Other symptoms, such as thin, copious mucous secretions and a productive cough, may be associated with an upper respiratory infection or other respiratory conditions, but they do not typically indicate the same level of immediate distress. A respiratory rate of 20 breaths per minute is generally within the normal range for adults, and while it can be elevated during an asthma attack, it is not as definitive a signal for urgent action as the presence of intercostal retractions.