Asthma
What is asthma?
Asthma is a medical condition that affects the airways; the tubes that carry the air in and out of the lungs. When someone has an asthma attack, these tubes become narrowed, producing mucous, making it difficult to breath in and out.
Asthma is a medical condition that affects the airways; the tubes that carry the air in and out of the lungs. When someone has an asthma attack, these tubes become narrowed, producing mucous, making it difficult to breath in and out.
Symptoms
People who suffer from asthma manage their condition and should be able to tell you if they are having an attack. These are signs to look out for, when in a suspected asthma attack.
Treatment
A mild asthma attack should ease within a few minutes after medication. If the victim hasn't responded well to their medication after 4 minutes call 000 and repeat the dosage using 1 puff and 4 breaths, repeated 4 times. If the victim stops breathing follow DRSABCD.
Tips
Call 000 if any of the following apply:
People who suffer from asthma manage their condition and should be able to tell you if they are having an attack. These are signs to look out for, when in a suspected asthma attack.
- Difficulty breathing and speaking
- Coughing and wheezing
- The victim will be anxious and distressed
- Discolouration of lips, earlobes and nails (due to lack of oxygen)
Treatment
- Help the person sit in a comfortable position.
- Help them take their medication.
- 1 puff and 4 breaths, repeated 4 times.
- Reassure the victim.
A mild asthma attack should ease within a few minutes after medication. If the victim hasn't responded well to their medication after 4 minutes call 000 and repeat the dosage using 1 puff and 4 breaths, repeated 4 times. If the victim stops breathing follow DRSABCD.
Tips
- Stay calm yourself, to keep the victim reassured.
- Constantly reassure the victim while waiting for professional help.
Call 000 if any of the following apply:
- It is the victim's first asthma attack.
- They stop breathing.
- Talking becomes extremely difficult.
- Their medication has no effect.
- They don't have any medication with them.