Responding to Asthma Attacks Health Article

Asthma is a serious and often life-threatening disease. If people with asthma are exposed to a trigger, their airways become constricted, the muscles around them tighten, then a buildup of mucus causes congestion in the lungs, making it hard to breathe.

Warning signs

The most important factor in controlling asthma is spotting the early warning signs of an attack, says the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. The signs aren’t the same for everyone and may change, but asthma attacks usually can be predicted.

Warning signs may include:

• A drop in your peak flow as measured by your peak flow meter

• A chronic cough, especially at night

• Difficult or fast breathing

• Chest tightness or discomfort

• Becoming out of breath more easily than usual

• Fatigue

• Itchy, watery, or glassy eyes

• Itchy, scratchy, or sore throat

• Repeated rubbing or stroking of the throat

• Sneezing

• Stopped-up nose

• Headache

• Fever

• Restlessness

• Runny nose

• Dark circles under the eyes

How to respond

Someone who’s having an asthma attack often has the following symptoms:

• Shortness of breath accompanied by wheezing

• Cough or raspy breath

• Agitated movement

• Blue lips or fingertips

• Appearing to use neck and facial muscles to breathe

If someone has these signs, follow this three-step plan:

1. Have the person sit upright. Be calm and reassuring; asthma worsens with panic.

2. Give the person two puffs of an albuterol inhaler (the "rescue" inhaler), such as Airomir, Asmol, Bricanyl, or Ventolin. Use the person’s own inhaler, if possible. If not, use one from a first aid kit or borrow one. Inhaler medication is best given through a spacer, if available. The person should take one puff at a time, then take four breaths from the spacer after each puff.

3. Wait five minutes. If the person shows little or no improvement, call for emergency medical help immediately. Keep the person calm until help arrives.

4. If the person has blue lips or fingertips, call 911.

Keep it controlled

The best way to avoid asthma attacks is to keep asthma controlled:

• Visit the doctor every six months.

• Avoid your asthma triggers.

• Take asthma medication exactly as prescribed.