Asthma attack: recognizing the signs and taking the right steps

Reading time: approximately 4 minutes

An asthma attack can happen anywhere: on the soccer field, at the office, while camping, or at home. When someone suddenly starts wheezing and gasping for breath, bystanders often feel helpless. However, first aid for an asthma attack involves simple actions that anyone can learn: staying calm, helping the person into a good position, facilitating the use of their rescue medication, and knowing when to call 911. In this article, you will learn to recognize the signs of an attack, react with confidence, and prepare your environment for this type of respiratory emergency.

Recognizing an asthma attack

Asthma causes a narrowing of the airways. During an attack, the person usually exhibits one or more of these signs:

• Wheezing, especially when exhaling;
• Marked shortness of breath, difficulty completing sentences;
• Persistent cough;
• Feeling of chest tightness;
• Anxiety, agitation, leaning forward to breathe more easily.

Certain signs indicate a severe attack: bluish lips or fingernails, difficulty speaking or walking, exhaustion, drowsiness, or rescue medication that is no longer effective. If you observe any of these signs, call 911 immediately.

First aid: step-by-step

If someone has an asthma attack in front of you, here's what to do:

• 1. Stay calm and reassure the person. Panic worsens shortness of breath. Speak softly, in a calm voice.
• 2. Help them sit down, slightly leaning forward. Do not lie them down: sitting makes breathing easier.
• 3. Help them use their rescue inhaler (usually a fast-acting inhaler), according to the instructions in their action plan. Many asthmatic individuals have a written plan: follow it.
• 4. Remove the trigger if you know what it is: smoke, cold air, dust, intense exertion, allergen.
• 5. Monitor their condition. If symptoms do not improve quickly after taking the medication, if they worsen, or if the person does not have their inhaler with them, call 911 and stay by their side.

If the person loses consciousness, call 911 (if you haven't already) and be prepared to perform CPR. This is exactly the kind of situation where first aid and CPR training makes all the difference.

What not to do

Some well-intentioned reflexes can be harmful:

• Do not lay the person down on their back;
• Do not leave them alone, even to get help if you can call from the scene;
• Do not offer them someone else's medication on your own initiative;
• Do not wait "to see" if severe signs are present: call 911.

Prevention and preparation: your best asset

As with all emergencies, preparation makes the difference between panic and confidence. If a family member, colleague, or player on your sports team has asthma, take the time to learn their action plan and where they keep their inhaler. Coaches, educators, and group leaders should always have a first aid kit within reach during activities: it helps manage the crisis and other unforeseen events that often accompany it.

To deepen your emergency respiratory reflexes, also consult our article on the right actions during a seizure: in both cases, calm and preparation are your best tools.

Key takeaways

An asthma attack is recognized by wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. The correct actions are: staying calm, having the person sit up, helping them use their rescue inhaler, and calling 911 if the situation does not improve or if signs of severity appear. Equip your family and sports activities with an appropriate first aid kit and equipment, and get trained: it's the best way to turn worry into peace of mind.

Sources: Canadian Red Cross, Asthma Canada.

This article is for educational purposes only. In case of emergency, call 911.