Asthma is a common condition and fast first aid treatment is required to help the patient breath and reduce the attacks impact.
Recognising the Symptoms of an Asthma Attack
Identifying asthma attack symptoms early can prevent severe complications. Common signs include:
- 🌬️ **Shortness of breath** – Difficulty breathing or feeling breathless.
- 🔊 **Wheezing** – A high-pitched whistling sound when exhaling.
- 💨 **Persistent coughing** – Especially at night or after exercise.
- 🔴 **Chest tightness** – A feeling of pressure or constriction in the chest.
- 🔵 **Blue lips or fingertips** – Indicating a lack of oxygen.
Emergency First Aid for an Asthma Attack
If someone is experiencing an asthma attack, take the following steps:
- 🧘 **Stay Calm and Reassure** – Anxiety can worsen symptoms. Keep the person relaxed.
- 🪑 **Sit Them Upright** – Encourage sitting in an upright position to aid breathing.
- 💊 **Administer Reliever Inhaler** – Help them take **one puff every 30-60 seconds, up to 10 puffs**.
- 📞 **Call Emergency Services (999/112)** – If symptoms worsen or do not improve after 10 puffs.
- ⏳ **Repeat Inhaler Dose** – If no ambulance has arrived in 10 minutes, repeat the inhaler process.
For more details on treating asthma, visit our Asthma Treatment page.
Using a Spacer for an Asthma Attack
A **spacer device** can improve inhaler effectiveness by ensuring more medication reaches the lungs.
- 🔗 **Connect the inhaler** to the spacer.
- 💨 **Shake the inhaler** and release one puff into the spacer.
- 😮💨 **Breathe in slowly and deeply**, holding the breath for a few seconds.
- 🔄 **Repeat if necessary**, allowing **30-60 seconds between puffs**.
Learn more about spacers in our Asthma Spacers Guide.
What to Do If No Inhaler is Available
If the person **does not have an inhaler**, take these steps:
- 📞 **Call 999/112 immediately** – Delayed treatment can be life-threatening.
- 🪑 **Keep them upright** and encourage slow, controlled breathing.
- 🌬️ **Move them to fresh air** – Reduce exposure to triggers like smoke or allergens.
- 👥 **Stay with them** and monitor for worsening symptoms.
Read more about **asthma management without an inhaler** in our detailed guide.
Preventing Asthma Attacks
Long-term asthma management reduces the risk of attacks. Key prevention methods include:
- 🚫 **Avoiding known triggers** – Common triggers include pollen, smoke, and cold air.
- 💊 **Taking prescribed medication regularly** – Preventer inhalers reduce airway inflammation.
- 🏥 **Attending regular check-ups** – Adjusting medication as needed.
- 📝 **Creating an asthma action plan** – Know the steps to take in case of an attack.
For a complete guide on **preventing asthma attacks**, visit Asthma Management.
Further Resources
Explore more in-depth asthma-related topics:
For professional **first aid training** on asthma and respiratory emergencies, enrol in our First Aid Courses.
