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Winter can trigger the symptoms of Asthma: How do you treat an Asthma Attack?

Surrey First Aid Training Ltd - Specialists in First Aid Courses since 2000

What are the signs and symptoms of Asthma?

  • difficulty breathing with a tight chest
  • wheezing and coughing
  • distressed and anxious
  • difficulty speaking (due to lack of breath)
  • signs of hypoxia (grey/blue colouring to their lips, earlobes and nailbeds)
  • exhaustion (in a severe attack)

How to treat an Asthma Attack:

  1. Reassure the casualty and ask them to breathe slowly and deeply. Sit them down in a comfortable position.
  2. Ask the casualty to take their usual dose of their reliever inhaler. If they have a spacer available, ask them to use it with their inhaler - if they do not have an inhaler call 999 or 112 for emergency assistance.
  3. A mild attack will normally ease after a few minutes, however, if they do not improve within a few minutes, it may be a severe asthma attack. Ask them to take a puff of their inhaler every 30 to 60 seconds, until they have had up to 10 puffs. 
  4. If the attack is severe, and the casualty is getting worse, becoming exhausted, or if this is their first asthma attack, call 999 or 112 for emergency assistance.
  5. Monitor the casualty’s breathing and level of response. If the ambulance hasn't arrived within 15 minutes, repeat step 3. If they become unresponsive, prepare to begin CPR.
  6. If the casualty’s symptoms improve and you do not need to call 999, advise the patient to get an urgent appointment to see their asthma nurse or GP.

For more information on Asthma, visit Asthma UK: https://www.asthma.org.uk/