Asthma
What to do when someone has an attack
Asthma is serious and can be a life-threatening disease. When people with Asthma are exposed to a “trigger” their airways become constricted, the muscles around them tighten and then a buildup of mucus cause congestion in the lungs, making it hard to breathe.
Signs and Symptoms of a Asthma Attack include:
- A drop in your peak flow as measured by your peak flow meter
- A chronic cough, especially at night
- Difficult or fast breathing
- Chest tightness or discomfort
- Becoming out of breath more easily than usual
- Fatigue
- Itchy, watery or glassy eyes
- Itchy, scratchy or sore throat
- Repeated rubbing or stroking of throat
- Sneezing
- Stopped-up nose
- Headache
- Fever
- Restlessness
- Runny nose
- Dark circles under the eyes
Symptoms may include:
- Shortness of breath accompanied by wheezing
- Cough or raspy breath
- Agitated movement
- Blue lips or fingertips
- Appearing to use neck and facial muscles to breathe
What to do: Follow this 3 step plan
- Have the person sit upright. Be calm and reassuring.
- Give the person two puffs from an albuterol or “rescue” inhaler. Use the person’s own inhaler if possible. If not use one from a first aid kit or borrow one. Inhaler medication is best given through a spacer if possible. The person should take one puff at a time, then take four breaths from the spacer after each puff.
- Wait 5 minutes. If person shows little or no improvement, call for emergency medical help immediately. Keep the person calm until help arrives.
