If someone is experiencing an asthma attack, it’s important to act quickly and provide first aid. Here are the steps you can take to assist someone during an asthma attack:
- Stay calm: It’s essential to remain calm and reassuring both for the person having the asthma attack and for yourself. Anxiety or panic can worsen the situation.
- Help the person sit up: Encourage the person to sit in an upright position to make breathing easier. Leaning forward slightly may also help.
- Assist with medication: If the person has a prescribed inhaler, help them use it. Most people with asthma carry a quick-relief inhaler (usually containing a bronchodilator like albuterol) to relieve symptoms during an attack. Assist them in taking their prescribed dose as directed.
- Shake the inhaler well before use.
- Have the person exhale fully, then place the inhaler mouthpiece in their mouth, ensuring a tight seal.
- Instruct them to inhale deeply and press down on the inhaler canister to release the medication.
- Ask them to hold their breath for about 10 seconds before exhaling slowly.
- Monitor their condition: Observe the person closely to ensure their symptoms are improving. If the symptoms worsen or do not improve after several minutes, or if the person is unable to use their inhaler, seek immediate medical help.
- Loosen tight clothing: Help the person loosen any tight clothing, particularly around their neck and chest, to promote easier breathing.
- Offer reassurance: Provide verbal reassurance and let the person know that help is on the way, if necessary. Stay with them until medical professionals arrive.
- Avoid triggers: If you know what triggered the asthma attack (e.g., dust, pollen, smoke), try to remove the person from that environment if it’s safe to do so.
- Do not leave them alone: It’s important to stay with the person until medical help arrives or their symptoms completely subside.
Remember, severe asthma attacks can be life-threatening. If the person’s condition worsens, they have difficulty speaking or their lips turn blue, call emergency services immediately.
It’s important to note that these guidelines are not a substitute for proper medical training. If you’re not sure about what to do or if the person’s symptoms are severe, always seek professional medical assistance.
