Asthma inhaler
An asthma inhaler is a small, handheld pump that helps people breathe better when they have asthma. Asthma is a condition that makes it hard to breathe because the airways in the lungs get tight, swell up, or fill with sticky mucus. An asthma inhaler sends medicine right into the lungs to open up the airways and make breathing easier.
In first aid, an asthma inhaler is very important because it can quickly help someone who is having trouble breathing during an asthma attack. An asthma attack happens when the airways suddenly become very narrow, making it hard to get air in and out of the lungs. This can be scary, but using the inhaler at the right time can reduce the problem and make the person feel better.
What is an asthma inhaler?
An asthma inhaler is a tiny device that people carry with them if they have asthma. The inhaler contains medicine that is breathed directly into the lungs. The medicine works fast to relax the muscles around the airways, making them wider and easier to breathe through.
There are different types of asthma inhalers, but the most common one used in emergencies is called a “reliever” inhaler. This inhaler contains medicine that works quickly to relieve asthma symptoms during an attack. Other inhalers, called “preventer” inhalers, help stop attacks from happening but are used regularly and not in emergencies.
Why is an asthma inhaler important in first aid?
An asthma inhaler saves lives in emergencies. When someone has an asthma attack, their airways get tight and they may cough, wheeze, or struggle to breathe. Without quick action, the lungs can get starved of oxygen, which is dangerous.
The inhaler helps open the airways and gives oxygen a better way to enter the lungs. Using the inhaler as soon as symptoms start can stop the attack from getting worse. It also helps the person feel less scared and more comfortable.
If asthma attacks go untreated, the person can become very unwell and may lose consciousness. That is why it is important to act quickly and help them use their inhaler if they need it.
What happens during an asthma attack?
During an asthma attack, the muscles around the airway tubes tighten. The lining of the airways becomes swollen and makes sticky mucus. The airway tubes become narrower, so less air can move in and out of the lungs.
This can cause symptoms like:
A lot of coughing
Whistling or wheezing sounds when breathing out
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Chest tightness or pain
Feeling anxious or scared
Difficulty speaking in full sentences
Bluish lips or face (in serious cases)
These signs tell you that the person is having trouble breathing and needs help fast.
How should first aiders help someone with an asthma attack?
If someone is having an asthma attack, the first thing to do is stay calm and help the person sit down comfortably. You can encourage them to breathe slowly and deeply if they can.
Help them find their asthma inhaler. Most people with asthma carry their own reliever inhaler with them. They know how to use it best, but you can offer to help if needed. The goal is to help the medicine reach their lungs quickly.
Ask them to take the usual dose from their inhaler as soon as possible. This usually means taking a few puffs, with a short break in between. The medicine should start to work within minutes and help ease their breathing.
Keep an eye on their symptoms. If the medicine doesn’t seem to help or their breathing gets worse, or if the person becomes unable to talk or shows signs of confusion or blue lips, you need to call emergency services right away.
When to call emergency services
In Australia, call 000 if:
The person’s breathing is not improving after using the inhaler
They become very breathless or can only say a few words between breaths
Their lips or face look blue or grey
They lose consciousness or become drowsy
If you are unsure or worried about the person’s condition
Calling 000 brings medical help quickly. Paramedics can give stronger medicine and support breathing if needed. Do not wait too long to call if the situation is serious.
General safety advice
If you are giving first aid to someone with asthma:
Ask if they have their inhaler and help them use it
Stay calm and offer reassurance
Help them sit down comfortably and try to keep them calm
Watch their breathing and symptoms carefully
Call 000 if they do not get better quickly or if they become very unwell
Do not give them anything to eat or drink if they are having trouble breathing
Avoid getting into risky places or activities that made the asthma attack happen in the first place
Remember, asthma attacks can happen suddenly. Being calm and ready to help can save lives.
What to remember about asthma inhalers
An asthma inhaler is a lifesaver for people with asthma. It delivers medicine fast to open up blocked airways and make breathing easier. Knowing how to help someone use their inhaler in an emergency is very important.
Always take asthma attacks seriously. Don’t wait too long to get help if the inhaler does not work. Call 000 in Australia for an ambulance if the person is very sick or gets worse.
Asthma inhalers help keep people safe and comfortable during asthma attacks. If you are around someone who has asthma, understanding what an asthma inhaler is and how it helps can make a big difference.
In summary, an asthma inhaler is a small device that delivers quick medicine to open the lungs during an asthma attack. It is part of first aid because it helps stop breathing problems from getting worse. Use the inhaler quickly, stay calm, watch the person closely, and call emergency services if needed. This way, you can help keep someone safe and breathing well.