I don't have many attacks.  But when i do, I have "no" warning.  Maybe a tickle in my throat... but then you'd better be ready!!!!  I can't breathe at all!!  Nothing gets through!!  I freak!!!  The first time it happened was at work.  Thank goodness, I was working in a Cardiology office, I sat with a nurse. Anyway, I got a tickle in my throat, didn't think anything of it.  Then. Whammo!!!!  I couldn't get any air in my lungs!!!  My nurse friend told my it had to be at least 1 1/2 mins before any air started to get by.  I was grey looking and cold sweats.  I was scared to death!!!  I don't ever want that to happen again.   The idiot boss I had came down thinking I was goofing off somewhere, so another nurse told her I had a severe asthma attack.  She just said come upstairs when your ready, I have to show you something.  NOT should you go to the ER?  I couldn't believe it!!!  Thank goodness, I don't work there anymore!