Asthma Emergency

A severe asthma attack could be life-threatening. In case of an asthma flare-up, the symptoms worsen, demanding an immediate medical attention.

Recognise the signs of an asthma attack.

Call an ambulance for emergency assistance in case the person experiences symptoms such as:

• Severe
  • Difficulty in breathing
  • Unable to speak a sentence in one breath
  • Coughing or wheezing
  • Need to use quick-reliever more often
• Life-threatening:
  •  Gasping for breath
  • Unable to speak
  • Turning blue
  • Collapsing
  • Not coughing or wheezing any longer
  • No response to reliever medications

Start Asthma first aid in case any mild symptoms (minor trouble in breathing, coughing, wheezing), severe or life-threatening symptoms are observed.

Asthma first aid:

1. Help the person sit in an upright position

2. Assist the person in using the inhaler – Remove the cap and shake the inhaler – Put the inhaler into the spacer – Let the person breathe out completely and then place his mouth tightly around the spacer – Press the inhaler to deliver a puff – Let the person breathe in slowly and hold the breath for 10 seconds – Give a total of 4 puffs at an interval of one minute each

3. Wait for 4 minutes. – If no improvement is observed, give 4 more separate puffs by following the steps mentioned above.

4. Call for emergency assistance if there is still no improvement – Keep giving 4 separate puffs every 4 minutes until the ambulance arrives.

For children with asthma: Do not delay in starting asthma first aid if sudden changes in the child’s behaviour or symptoms are observed.

In case of children, the symptoms could worsen quickly without any specific indication. Children may turn restless and experience discomfort in the stomach or chest.

For further assistance regarding the diagnosis and treatment contact our Pulmonary specialists.