Asthma Attack | Signs, First Aid Protocol & Management Tips
A sudden asthma attack is a terrifying experience. Not just for the person struggling to breathe, but also for those around them. The sudden tightness in the chest, relentless wheezing, and panicked gasps for air leave you no time to think.
In such moments, knowing what to do can turn the medical emergency into relief. Whether you’re managing asthma yourself or caring for a loved one. Being prepared with the asthma first aid steps can help you in saving a life.
At Main Street Medical Centre, we recognise the challenges of living with asthma. Our GP-owned and managed family practice provides expert medical care in such situations. We uphold the highest standards of healthcare and years of experience.
Let us guide you on how to deal with asthma attacks confidently.
Asthma Attack
An asthma attack occurs when the muscles around the airways tighten. Airways become narrow, leading to severe difficulty in breathing. It can be initiated by:
- Cold
- Drugs like aspirin
- Cigarette smoke
- Suffocation
- Allergies
- Exercise/activity
- Stress or laughter
- Chemical fumes
- No Trigger
Symptoms can vary in severity, and early recognition is key to effective asthma attack management. Let’s understand the signs showing need for immediate management.
Signs Showing the Need for Asthma First Aid
Understanding the severity levels can help determine when basic first aid for asthma attack is sufficient. And when you need to contact the emergency services.
Mild to Moderate Signs
Mild to moderate signs include:
- Persistent cough, especially at night or early morning
- Mild wheezing when breathing
- Shortness of breath after physical activity
- Tightness in the chest
- Able to speak in full sentences but with some discomfort
A mild to moderate asthma flare-up can be managed with a quick-relief inhaler. However, symptoms should be monitored closely. So, they can’t progress to a more severe state.
Severe Signs (Yellow Zone)
When symptoms become severe, immediate action is necessary. They include:
- Difficulty breathing, even while at rest
- Loud and persistent wheezing
- Shortness of breath that interferes with talking
- Increased heart rate and visible distress
- Anxiety or a sense of panic
Using a reliever inhaler can help survive an asthma attack. But if there is no improvement within minutes, medical assistance is required.
Life-Threatening Signs (Red Zone)
The most critical stage of asthma flare-up shows the following signs.
- Extreme difficulty breathing, with little to no improvement after inhaler use
- Bluish lips or fingernails, indicating a lack of oxygen
- Confusion, drowsiness, or extreme fatigue
- A silent chest (no wheezing sounds), which suggests very restricted airflow
If these symptoms appear, call emergency services immediately. Continue administering asthma emergency first aid while waiting for help.
Asthma First Aid Steps: What to Do?
A timely Asthma first aid can help prevent complications and stabilise breathing. Act quickly and follow proper & careful steps.
Here’s what to do if you or someone else is experiencing an asthma attack at home:
- Stay Calm and Provide Reassurance
Panic can make symptoms worse. Encourage slow & steady breathing in the patient and remain as calm as possible. - Sit the Person Upright
Keeping an upright posture helps open the airways and makes breathing easier. Do not let the person stoop or lie down. - Administer the Reliever Medication
Use the asthma attack inhaler (usually a blue reliever inhaler like Ventolin). Administer it for up to four puffs. Wait 30–60 seconds between puffs. - Monitor Symptoms and Wait Four Minutes
If there is no improvement after the initial four puffs, repeat the inhaler process. - Call Emergency Services if Necessary
If symptoms persist after the second round of inhaler use, dial 000 (or the relevant emergency number). Continue administering one puff every minute until medical help arrives.
Read on for the medications being used in asthma first aid inhalers.
How to Give Asthma Medications?
Proper administration of inhalers is crucial for effective asthma attack management. Using a spacer can improve medication delivery by helping it reach the lungs easily. Especially for young children and older adults.
But you should know the procedure of administration both with and without it.
Without a Spacer | With a Spacer |
1. Shake the inhaler well before use. | 1. Shake the inhaler and insert it into the spacer. |
2. Exhale fully before taking a puff. | 2. Place the mouthpiece in the mouth. |
3. Place the inhaler mouthpiece between the lips and press the canister while inhaling deeply. | 3. Take a slow & deep breath in. |
4. Hold the breath for 5–10 seconds before exhaling. | 4. Hold the breath for a few seconds before exhaling. |
5. Wait 30–60 seconds before taking another puff, if needed. | 5. If using multiple puffs, repeat after 30–60 seconds. |
Monitor the patient’s condition carefully after administration of the drug. If you don’t see any improvement, contact emergency services immediately.
Need for Asthma Attack Emergency Services
If asthma emergency first aid measures do not relieve symptoms. Or if the person experiences severe distress, emergency care is required.
Call 000 immediately if:
- You are unsure that it is an asthma attack
- The person is struggling to breathe or talk
- You don’t have any reliever available
- Symptoms do not improve after using the reliever inhaler
- The person becomes unresponsive or has blue lips/fingernails
While waiting for medical help. Continue administering asthma first aid by giving one puff of the inhaler (if available) every minute.
Management of an Asthma Flare-Up
Long-term asthma treatment focuses on preventing asthma attacks and reducing the severity of flare-ups.
Asthma Management Strategy | Details |
Avoiding Triggers | Common triggers include dust, smoke, pollen, and cold air. Identifying and minimising exposure can prevent attacks. |
Following an Asthma Action Plan | A written plan, developed with a GP, outlines daily management and emergency steps. |
Regular Medical Check-Ups | Ongoing monitoring checks the optimal medication use and reduces the risk of severe attacks. |
Using Preventer Medications | If prescribed, these daily inhalers help keep inflammation under control and reduce the frequency of attacks. |
Keep monitoring the symptoms and take action as soon as you notice any flare. Also, keep the medications and inhaler within access for any emergency.
Final Word
An asthma attack can be life-threatening. But knowing what to do at home for an asthma attack can help stabilise symptoms. Take quick & measured action and get timely medical help to prevent further complications.
Early recognition, first aid, and medical intervention are key to effective management.
Need Professional Advice in Asthma Attack Management & Monitoring?
Get Expert GP Care at Main Street Medical Centre
Managing asthma requires expert medical care and a proactive approach.
At Main Street Medical Centre, our experienced GPs can devise an asthma management plan for you. We offer comprehensive asthma treatment and ongoing support. So, individuals with asthma can get the care they need to lead healthy lives.
We are accredited by the Australian General Practice Accreditation Limited (AGPAL), which reflects our commitment to maintaining the highest medical standards.
