Which of the following is a common sign of an asthma attack?

The presence of shortness of breath is a hallmark sign of an asthma attack. During an asthma episode, the airways become inflamed and constricted, making it difficult for air to flow in and out of the lungs. This leads to an individual experiencing a feeling of tightness in the chest and difficulty breathing, which is described as shortness of breath.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the typical physiological responses observed during an asthma attack. While headaches can occur due to various reasons, they are not a primary symptom of an asthma attack. Increased appetite and rapid weight gain are also unrelated to asthma symptoms, as these conditions pertain to metabolic or nutritional changes rather than respiratory function. Understanding these distinguishing factors helps clarify why shortness of breath is the correct and relevant answer in the context of an asthma attack.