What is a common symptom in a patient experiencing an asthma exacerbation?

A common symptom in a patient experiencing an asthma exacerbation is difficulty speaking in full sentences. This occurs because individuals often struggle to get enough air during an exacerbation, leading to shortness of breath. The inability to speak in full sentences is indicative of significant respiratory distress, as it shows that the patient is unable to take a deep enough breath to produce longer phrases. This symptom underscores the severity of the asthma exacerbation and helps healthcare providers assess the need for immediate intervention.

The other options highlight less definitive or unrelated symptoms. For instance, coughing without wheezing can occur in various respiratory conditions and does not specifically indicate an exacerbation. Improvement in symptoms with rest is typically not associated with asthma exacerbations, as rest often does not alleviate respiratory distress. Increased appetite is also not a typical symptom of asthma exacerbations; rather, patients may experience a reduction in appetite due to the discomfort of breathing difficulties. Thus, difficulty speaking in full sentences accurately represents a clear indicator of an asthma exacerbation's seriousness.