How to recognise and treat an Asthma attack

by InterNutter

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Signs of an Asthma attack

  • Severe wheezing when breathing both in and out
  • Not being able to complete a sentence
  • Coughing that won’t stop
  • Very rapid breathing
  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Tightened neck and chest muscles, called retractions
  • Difficulty talking
  • Feelings of anxiety or panic
  • Pale, sweaty face
  • Blue lips or fingernails
  • Or worsening symptoms despite use of medications (reliever inhaler)
  • Reliever inhaler has no effect/ Person has to keep using it.

What to do if someone is having an asthma attack

  • Sit the person down and loosen any tight clothing
  • Ensure the person takes their reliever inhaler (usually blue) straight away and tell them to breathe deeply and steadily
  • Reassure the person, tell them not to panic, they will be okay etc…
  • if their symptoms haven’t improved after five minutes, or you’re worried, call 999/911/000/emergency number for your country  or take them to see a doctor urgently
  • Make sure they continue to take a puff of their reliever inhaler every minute until help arrives