Asthma
Asthma
Asthma is a common lung condition which can cause problems with breathing. It can be triggered by a variety of things: infections, stress, dust, pollen, smoke, or exercise. It is also useful to note that cold air can worsen an asthma attack.
It can be very distressing for someone having an asthma attack, so it is helpful to be reassuring and calm in your approach to dealing with the situation
Signs & Symptoms
During an asthma attack the casualty will have difficulty breathing and will struggle to speak. This is because their neck and chest muscles are working hard to breathe. Other signs and symptoms include:
- Difficulty breathing and exhaustion when speaking.
- Wheezing and coughing.
- Excessive use of neck muscles to aid breathing.
- Pale skin colour, blue lips, clammy skin.
- A history of asthma.
Treatment
Sit the casualty up and reassure them.
Help them to use their reliever inhaler (usually blue in colour). A spacer device can be used if available. The medicine is designed to quickly open the airways and enable them to breathe more easily.
- Take 1 puff of the inhaler every 30-60 seconds. Take up to 10 puffs.
Call 999/112 if there is no inhaler or no improvement.
- Repeat the 10 puff routine again if required whilst waiting for an ambulance.
Note: Some asthma suffers may use a combination inhaler which contains both preventative (corticosteroid) and relief (bronchodilator) medicines and is known as a MART inhaler.
These inhalers are usually red in colour. The combination inhaler is popular as it saves the sufferer carrying two types of inhaler with them.
