Individuals who have asthma are at risk for experiencing an asthma attack at some point in life. It is important to note that the indications of an acute attack include difficulty talking or walking due to shortness of breath or bluish fingernails or lips.
Follow the care plan of the individual
Check if the individual has a specific asthma action plan that was provided by the doctor. If available, carefully follow the directions on providing asthma medication and seeking medical care for an acute asthma attack.
First aid for asthma
If the individual does not have an asthma action plan, the following must be done:
- Position the individual seated upright in a comfortable manner and loosen tight clothing.
- In case the individual has asthma medication such as an inhaler, help the individual when using it.
- If an inhaler is not available, use one from a first aid kit.
How to use an inhaler with spacer
- Remove the cap and shake the inhaler properly.
- Insert the inhaler into the spacer.
- Instruct the individual to breath out fully and place the mouth tightly around the mouthpiece of the spacer.
- Press the inhaler once to administer a puff.
- Instruct the individual to breathe in a slow manner via the mouth and hold his/her breath for 10 seconds.
- Administer 4 puffs with a minute in between every puff.
How to use an inhaler without a spacer
- Remove the inhaler cap and shake properly.
- Instruct the individual to breathe out and seal his/her lips securely around the mouthpiece of the inhaler.
- When the individual starts to breathe in slowly, press down on the inhaler once.
- The individual should continue breathing in a slow and deep manner as possible and then hold his/her breath for 10 seconds.
- Deliver 4 puffs with one minute in between every puff.
After providing 4 puffs, wait for 4 minutes. If the individual still has difficulty breathing, deliver another set of 4 puffs. In case there is no improvement, administer 4 puffs every 4 minutes until the medical team arrives. If the individual experiences a severe attack, administer 6-8 puffs every 5 minutes.
More Information / Disclaimer
The information posted on this page on an asthma attack is for learning purposes only. Learn to recognize and manage an asthma attack by taking a standard first aid course with Ottawa First Aid.