Ninten has an asthma attack.
Asthma (ぜんそく zensoku) is a status ailment in EarthBound Beginnings, exclusive to Ninten. While affected by asthma, Ninten is rendered incapable of both attacking and running away. It is caused by an exhaust attack used by the vehicular enemies around Merrysville and Reindeer, including Mad Car, Mad Truck, Psycho Car, PsychoTruck, and ManiacTruck.
Asthma, alongside Stone, stands out from other status ailments in the game in that it will always hit upon attack. Although asthma only lasts for the duration of the battle, it's only cured by the reusable item Asthma Spray. No form of PSI Healing will cure it either, so if Ninten does not have one and he's the only character in the party while having an asthma attack, the battle becomes a guaranteed loss, as even running or 4th-D Slip will never be successful.
Trivia[]
- Homesick is Ness's equivalent to Asthma as it does not exist in EarthBound. Unlike Asthma, it can occur at any time and Ness can still sometimes land moves despite having the status on him. It can only be cured by talking to mom. Homesick will also not affect Ness ever again once he reaches a certain level (Usually Post-Magicant) unlike Asthma which always affects Ninten even at level 99.
- On the other hand, Asthma is an effect exclusive to vehicles. Once the player gets more members, is stronger, and eventually reaches the Yucca Desert, Asthma becomes obsolete and with it the Asthma Spray, unlike Homesickness which always lingers through every part of EarthBound and can begin randomly happening at any time.