Asthma Attack
An asthma attack happens when a person with asthma has trouble breathing because their airways become tight, swollen, and filled with mucus. Asthma is a condition that affects the lungs and makes it harder to breathe sometimes. During an asthma attack, the muscles around the airways squeeze and the airways get smaller. This means less air can get in and out of the lungs. An asthma attack can be scary because the person may feel like they are not getting enough air. Knowing how to recognise an asthma attack and what to do can help keep someone safe.
What Is Asthma?
Asthma is a long-term condition that affects the breathing tubes in the lungs. These tubes are called airways. Normally, air passes freely through the airways when we breathe in and out. But in people with asthma, the airways can get swollen and sensitive. They can react to things like dust, smoke, cold air, exercise, or allergens like pet fur. When this happens, the airways narrow, making it harder to breathe.
Not everyone with asthma has attacks often. Some people might only notice small breathing problems now and then. Others might have attacks more often or more seriously. Knowing what happens during an asthma attack helps people respond quickly and safely.
What Happens During an Asthma Attack?
During an asthma attack, the muscles around the airways tighten up. This is called tightening of the bronchial muscles. At the same time, the inside of the airways become swollen, and extra mucus (a thick, sticky liquid) builds up. All these things make the airways much smaller than normal.
Because the airways are narrow, less air can move in and out of the lungs. This makes the person feel short of breath. They may cough a lot, wheeze (which sounds like a whistling noise when breathing), or feel tightness in their chest. Some people find it hard to talk or walk during an attack because they can’t get enough air.
Signs and Symptoms of an Asthma Attack
Knowing the signs of an asthma attack can help you act quickly. Common signs include:
– Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
– Wheezing or noisy breathing, especially when breathing out
– Coughing a lot, sometimes with mucus
– Feeling very tight or uncomfortable in the chest
– Trouble speaking or saying only a few words at a time
– Breathing faster than normal
– Looking pale, sweaty, or very tired
Sometimes, severe attacks cause the person to breathe very fast or slowly, or to stop breathing. If you see these signs, it is very important to get help immediately.
Why Is It Important to Know About Asthma Attacks?
Asthma attacks can sometimes become serious very quickly. If not treated, the person may not get enough oxygen. This can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Knowing what to do during an asthma attack can help the person get better faster and can save lives.
Even if the person has asthma and is used to mild breathing problems, a sudden attack can be frightening. Learning how to stay calm, help the person, and get emergency help if needed makes a big difference.
What To Do If Someone Has an Asthma Attack
If someone is having an asthma attack, the most important thing is to help them breathe better. Your role is to support the person and help them use their asthma medication if they have it with them.
1. Stay Calm: Keep your voice quiet and calm. Your calmness helps the person feel less worried.
2. Make the Person Comfortable: Help them sit up, leaning slightly forward. This position can make breathing easier.
3. Help With Medication: Many people with asthma carry a reliever inhaler. The reliever medicine opens up the airways quickly. Help the person take their reliever medicine right away. Usually, this means taking a puff every few minutes as needed.
4. Encourage Slow Breathing: Ask the person to breathe slowly and deeply if they can. This can slow down the breathing and make it easier.
5. Watch Closely: Keep an eye on how the person is doing. If their breathing does not get better after taking the reliever medicine or if their symptoms get worse, you need to get emergency help right away.
When to Call Emergency Services (000)
Call 000 immediately if:
– The person’s breathing is very hard or fast
– They are unable to speak more than a few words between breaths
– Their lips or face start turning blue or grey
– They lose consciousness or become very drowsy
– They do not get better after using their reliever medicine as directed
– You are worried the asthma attack is life-threatening for any reason
It is always better to call for help early if you are unsure. Emergency service workers can give important treatment quickly.
General Safety Tips During an Asthma Attack
– Do not leave the person alone. Stay with them until they feel better or help arrives.
– Do not give them anything to eat or drink during severe breathing difficulty. It can make breathing harder or cause choking.
– Try to keep the environment calm, quiet, and smoke-free. Strong smells, smoke, dust, or heat can make breathing worse.
– Avoid crowding around the person. Give them space to breathe.
– Do not try to force the person to lie down flat, unless they are unconscious.
Preventing Asthma Attacks
While this entry is about first aid during an asthma attack, it’s important to know that many asthma attacks can be prevented. People with asthma often work with their doctor to avoid things that trigger attacks. These can be things like dust, smoke, allergens, cold air, or exercise without warm-up.
Having a clear asthma action plan, carrying the reliever inhaler at all times, and knowing early warning signs helps stop attacks before they get serious.
What to Remember
An asthma attack is when the tubes in the lungs become narrow and filled with mucus, making it hard to breathe. It can happen fast and be very frightening. The main way to help is to stay calm, help the person use their reliever medicine, and support their breathing. Some attacks can be dangerous and need emergency help.
If someone has an asthma attack and does not get better quickly, or if they show serious signs like blue lips or trouble talking, call 000. Emergency help can save lives.
Knowing the signs and basic first aid for asthma attacks helps us all be ready to help family, friends, or strangers if they need it. Taking quick, calm action can make a big difference.
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Remember: This information is for general help in emergencies. Always seek advice from health professionals for ongoing asthma care. If you see someone having a serious asthma attack, call 000 straight away.