An asthma attack, also known as an asthma flare-up or exacerbation, occurs when the airways in the lungs narrow and swell, producing extra mucus. This makes breathing difficult and can quickly become a medical emergency. Acting quickly and calmly is crucial. This guide provides actionable steps to help a person experiencing an asthma attack.
1. Stay Calm and Reassure the Person
The first and most important step is to stay calm. Panic can worsen an asthma attack. Reassure the person that you are there to help them and that you are getting them the help they need. Try to get them to sit upright, as this position can help them breathe easier. Do not let them lie down.
2. Use Their Reliever Inhaler
The most critical intervention is the immediate use of the person’s reliever inhaler (often a blue inhaler). This medication works quickly to relax the muscles in the airways and open them up.
- How to Use: Help the person take a puff of their inhaler. If they have a spacer (a plastic tube that attaches to the inhaler), use it, as it helps the medication get into the lungs more effectively.
- Dosing: They should take one puff every 30 to 60 seconds, up to a maximum of 10 puffs.
3. Call Emergency Services
After the first puff, or if the person’s condition seems to be getting worse, call an ambulance immediately. Do not wait to see if the inhaler works. Inform the dispatcher that the person is having an asthma attack and requires an ambulance.
4. Continue with the Inhaler and Monitor
While you are waiting for emergency services to arrive, continue to help the person with their reliever inhaler.
- After 4 Minutes: If their breathing has not improved after 4 minutes, have them take another puff.
- Signs to Look For:
- Improvement: Their breathing becomes less wheezy and less labored.
- Worsening: Their breathing becomes more labored, they are struggling to speak, their lips or fingernails turn blue, or they are very drowsy or unresponsive.
5. What NOT to Do
Knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do.
- Do NOT assume the person’s medication is elsewhere. It is essential to have a reliever inhaler on hand.
- Do NOT give them anything to drink.
- Do NOT leave them alone. Stay with them until help arrives.
- Do NOT panic. Your calm demeanor will help the person stay calm.
Remember, an asthma attack can be life-threatening. The goal is to get the person’s airway open as quickly as possible and to get them professional medical help. By following these steps, you can provide critical assistance during a scary situation.
You can also read this article in: Kannada | Hindi
Other related articles: Severe Allergic Reaction