Asthma

Asthma is a condition that narrows the airways and can make breathing hard. It can cause wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. In first aid, the most urgent question is whether the person is developing an Asthma Attack.

What does asthma mean?

Asthma affects the small airways in the lungs.

When asthma flares up:

• the muscles around the airways tighten
• the airway lining swells
• extra mucus can make airflow worse

That makes it harder to move air in and out normally.

What are common asthma symptoms?

Common symptoms include:

• wheezing
• coughing
• chest tightness
• shortness of breath
• symptoms that worsen with exercise, cold air, smoke, dust, or illness

Some people have mild symptoms most of the time and only get worse during flare-ups. Others can become short of breath very quickly.

What can trigger asthma?

Asthma triggers can include:

• viral illness
• smoke
• dust
• pollen
• cold air
• exercise
• strong smells
• animal dander

Knowing a person’s usual triggers can help them act earlier when symptoms start.

What treatment terms often come up with asthma?

People with asthma may use terms such as:

• Asthma Inhaler for the puffer device
• Spacer for the attachment that can help more medicine reach the lungs
• Reliever Inhaler for quick symptom relief
• Preventer Inhaler for long-term control
• Salbutamol for a common fast-acting reliever medicine
• Bronchodilator for the broader medicine class

These terms are related, but they do not all mean the same thing.

What should you do in first aid?

If someone with asthma is having breathing trouble:

1. Sit them upright and stay calm.
2. Help them use their inhaler if they have one.
3. Use a spacer if appropriate and available.
4. Follow their Asthma Action Plan if they have one.
5. Watch closely for improvement or worsening.
6. Treat it as urgent if breathing is clearly getting harder.

For the main step-by-step emergency response page, see Asthma Attack.

When is asthma an emergency?

Call 000 if:

• the person is struggling to breathe
• they cannot speak properly
• their reliever is not helping enough
• they are getting tired, confused, or blue around the lips
• you are not sure how serious it is

If the person becomes Unresponsive and is not breathing normally, start CPR.

Where do asthma action plans and peak flow fit?

An Asthma Action Plan is the written guide that explains what the person’s usual treatment is and what to do when symptoms get worse.

Peak Flow is a measurement that can sometimes help track whether asthma may be worsening. It supports monitoring, but it does not replace emergency first aid.

How is asthma different from an asthma attack?

Asthma is the underlying condition.

An Asthma Attack is the sudden worsening that needs practical first aid action right away.

Quick answer

Asthma is a condition that narrows the airways and can make breathing hard. Common symptoms include wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. If symptoms are getting worse, treat it as a possible asthma attack and get urgent help when breathing looks unsafe.

Sources reviewed

• National Asthma Council Australia: asthma management
• National Asthma Council Australia: asthma action plans
• National Asthma Council Australia: first aid for asthma

Reviewed against current Australian asthma, first aid and emergency guidance by the First Aid Glossary Editorial Team. This article is general information and does not replace a person’s written asthma action plan, emergency-operator directions, professional medical advice or hands-on first aid training.