faqehwafi

4 years

My friend had an asthma attack

Hi doctor, recently my friend had an asthma attack. I was at loss and don’t know what to do. So can you give me tips on how to help an asthma patient when they got an attack? Thank you.

Hi there! Thank you for your question. I understand having to be near someone and not knowing what to do can be quite intimidating. So here are some tips on what you can do for the person having an asthma attack. First of all it is very important to be calm as you will be able to think better in situations like that.

Stay as calm as you can and encourage them to stay calm too because keeping the casualty calm really helps them to control their symptoms and panic can increase the severity of an attack. Then, sit them down, loosen any tight clothing and encourage them to take slow, steady deep breaths. Give them 1 puff of their reliever inhaler (usually blue) every 30 to 60 seconds, up to a maximum of 10 puffs.

If they do not start to feel better, give them more puffs of their reliever inhaler If they do not start to feel better after taking their inhaler as above, or if you are worried at any time, call for help or call 999. They should keep taking the reliever inhaler whilst waiting for the ambulance to arrive. All these should happen simultaneously. Then, if you suspect the asthma attack maybe due to an allergic reaction and the reliever inhaler is not working, ask them if they have an adrenaline auto-injector.

This injection is used if there is an acute allergic reaction. Follow the instruction on the injections. Generally, the injection sis given into the upper, outer part of their thigh. If the casualty’s symptoms improve and there is no need to call for an ambulance.
Get an urgent same-day appointment to see his doctor or try to make an appointment with the doctor ideally within 48 hours of their attack for an asthma review.

Please click on this link (DoctorOnCall) to talk to us privately online and discuss further about your inquiries. Thank you.

Do you know that your immune system plays role in the effectiveness of vaccines?

Prevention is better than cure. Is My Body Ready to Fight Infection? Find Out in only 5 short minutes!

Health Forum

Explore health related questions.