How to Treat an Asthma Attack

You will probably recognise the warning signs that your asthma is slipping out of control and that you may be going to have an asthma attack. You can take the normal preventive measures, but if you do have an attack, you need to know how to cope and what action you should take.

Action plan
1. Take a high dose of your reliever medicine. If it is not solving your breathing difficulties, then try the reliever again after five to ten minutes. During this time, it is very important to try and stay calm, and to relax as much as your breathing will allow you to do so.

2. Don't lie down; sit in a position that feels comfortable to you. If you like, you can lean forwards, keeping your back straight, and rest your arms on a table or any firm surface. Alternatively, rest your hands on your knees to help support your back.

3. Loosen any tight clothing around the neck, e.g. a neck tie or top buttons on a shirt. If it very warm, open a window and let in some fresh air.

4. Reliever medicines usually work quickly and if there is no improvement within 15 minutes you should contact your doctor or local hospital immediately.

Important
You should never delay seeking medical help. If your reliever is not working, you must call the doctor or an ambulance. Do not worry about causing a fuss or being a nuisance. If your doctor is contacted in time, he might be able to administer some medication that will deal with the attack.

First aid
If you are with someone who is having an asthma attack, follow the general guidelines set out above. Do not panic; stay calm and try to reassure the person having the attack. Encourage him to breathe slowly and deeply. Assist him with taking any prescribed medicines, e.g. inhalers, nebulisers etc. Find out what sort of reliever medicine he has. If he has only an inhaler, it may help to make an emergency spacer device with a disposable plastic, paper or polystyrene coffee cup. If he shows no improvement within 15 minutes, despite taking medication, you must ring the doctor or emergency services. Continue with the reliever treatment until medical help arrives. If he has any of the following severe symptoms, you should seek medical advice immediately.

- If he starts to go blue around the lips.
- If he becomes confused, drowsy or exhausted by the attack.
- If he has really severe diffuculties in breathing.
- If he finds it difficult to speak.