Asthma Attack Guide

Asthma Attack — Breathing Distress

Proper first aid for acute asthma attacks to restore breathing and prevent respiratory failure.

Call Emergency Services Immediately If:

The person has severe difficulty speaking, is struggling to breathe, looks pale/blue around the lips, or their reliever inhaler is not working. Call 911 / 112 immediately. Do not leave the person alone.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Sit the Person Upright

Help the person sit comfortably upright immediately. Do not allow them to lie down, as lying down restricts airway passage and makes breathing significantly harder.

2

Keep Them Calm and Reassured

Panic and anxiety can worsen asthma symptoms. Encourage them to take slow, steady breaths, breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth.

3

Administer Reliever Inhaler

Give them 4 puffs of a blue/reliever inhaler (usually albuterol), ideally using a spacer device. Shake the inhaler, insert it into the spacer, place the mouthpiece, and deliver 1 puff at a time. Have the person take 4 deep breaths for each puff.

4

Wait and Monitor

Wait 4 minutes. If they still have breathing difficulty, give another 4 puffs of the reliever inhaler in the same manner.

5

Call Emergency Services (If No Improvement)

If there is no improvement after 8 puffs, or if the person is worsening, call 911 / 112 immediately. Tell the dispatcher it is a severe asthma attack.

6

Continue Inhaler While Waiting

Continue giving 4 puffs of the reliever inhaler every 4 minutes until professional medical help arrives. If they stop breathing, begin CPR immediately.

Do's and Don'ts

Do's

  • Sit the person upright and loosen tight clothing
  • Use a spacer device if one is available
  • Keep the person calm and encourage slow breathing
  • Track the time and number of inhaler puffs given

Don't's

  • Don't let them lie down or lean backward
  • Don't force them to walk or exert themselves
  • Don't give them warm drinks or food during the attack
  • Don't leave them unattended at any point

Aftercare & Recovery

Hospital treatment may include oxygen therapy, nebulized bronchodilators, oral/intravenous steroids, and continuous respiratory monitoring.
Once recovered, schedule a follow-up appointment with a GP or pulmonologist to review their asthma action plan and prevent future exacerbations.
Always carry a reliever inhaler (and spacer) and check expiration dates regularly. Ensure family and close colleagues know where it is kept.