“All That” star Christy Knowings has died after reportedly suffering an asthma attack that led to cardiac arrest and brain damage.The 46-year-old actress was hospitalized on August 7 after the attack and placed on life support, TMZ reported.According to TMZ, citing family sources, Knowings suffered cardiac arrest following the asthma attack. Her family decided to take her off life support on August 11.Knowings, who was born on February 25, 1980, in the Bronx, is the second former All That cast member to die this year, following the fatal hit-and-run death of Kianna Underwood in January in Brooklyn.In a Facebook post, Knowings’ aunt wrote that her niece was an “outstanding actress, comedian, twin sister” and an “amazing daughter.”Knowings’ reported death after complications from an asthma attack is a reminder that while asthma can often be managed, it should not be taken lightly, health experts told HealthandMe.What Is Asthma? How Severe Can It Turn?Dr. Abhijit Ahuja, Consultant Pulmonologist, Saifee Hospital, Mumbai, explained that asthma is a condition that makes it difficult to breathe because the airways become inflamed and narrow.Many people with asthma can control their symptoms with medication. However, an asthma attack can sometimes become severe and life-threatening.During an asthma attack, symptoms suddenly worsen and usual medication may not provide enough relief. A person may experience difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness, severe coughing or trouble speaking.“If you use your inhaler but still have trouble breathing, you need to go to the hospital right away,” Dr Ahuja said.When the airways become so narrowed that the body does not receive enough oxygen, the asthma attack can turn severe. The lungs may also be unable to remove carbon dioxide properly.“If this keeps happening, it can hurt parts of the body like the brain and the heart,” Dr Ahuja said.A severe asthma attack can lead to difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, brain injury and cardiac arrest.When Can an Asthma Attack Be Deadly?Dr. Taniya Mehta, Consultant Respiratory Medicine, Sterling Hospitals, Gujarat, told HealthandMe that while most asthma attacks can be treated, a very severe attack can become deadly when the airways become so tight that the lungs cannot get enough oxygen.“If treatment isn't given quickly, low oxygen levels can cause the lungs to stop working, damage the brain, cause the heart to stop and lead to death,” she said.Signs That an Asthma Attack Is an EmergencySeek emergency medical help if a person has:Breathing difficulty or wheezing that is rapidly getting worse.Trouble speaking more than a few words because of breathing difficulty.No improvement after using a quick-relief inhaler.Blue, grey or very pale lips, fingernails or skin, which may indicate low oxygen.Severe confusion or loss of consciousness.Who Is More Likely to Have a Severe Asthma Attack?People may be at greater risk if they:Have had a severe or life-threatening asthma attack before.Need to use their quick-relief inhaler frequently.Do not use their asthma medicines as prescribed.Do not have their asthma under control.Cannot recognise when their symptoms are getting worse.Do Not Wait Out a Severe Asthma AttackDeadly asthma attacks are uncommon, but they can happen quickly, the doctors warned. Taking asthma medication as prescribed, knowing how to use inhalers correctly, attending follow-up appointments and undergoing lung tests when needed can help keep asthma under control.