What to do in an Asthma Attack
Emergency situation - What to do in an Asthma Attack
Occasionally an asthma attack may occur no matter how careful you are about taking your asthma treatment and avoiding triggers. An asthma attack normally doesn't occur suddenly; most people find that asthma attacks are the result of a gradual worsening of symptoms over a few days. If your child's symptoms are getting worse, do not ignore them. Quite often getting a child to use their reliever may be all that is needed to get their asthma under control again. At other times symptoms are more severe and more urgent action is required. Asthma attacks can be frightening so it is important to stay calm. If your child has an asthma attack, follow the Five Minute Rule which contains the recommended steps to follow:
The Five Minute RuleThe Five Minute Rule contains the recommended steps to follow in an asthma attack 1. Give your child their reliever inhaler immediately, preferably using a spacer. This is usually blue and opens up narrowed air passages.2. Get your child to sit down in an upright position and loosen tight clothing. 3. Stay calm and reassure your child. Attacks may be frightening and it is important the you and your child stay calm. 4. If there is no immediate improvement continue to give the reliever inhaler every minute for five minutes or until symptoms improve: two puffs if MDI/evohaler or one puff if turbohaler. 5. If symptoms do not improve in five minutes, or if you are in doubt, call 999 or a doctor urgently. Continue to give reliever inhaler until help arrives or symptoms improve.
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Don't be afraid of causing a fuss, even at night. Call the doctor or an ambulance if are have any doubts about your child's condition or if they are becoming distressed, unable to talk or are getting exhausted. If your child is admitted to hospital or an accident and emergency department because of an asthma attack, take details of your child's treatment with you. Bring his/her asthma management plan if he/she has one to the hospital.
You should also make an appointment with your doctor or nurse after your child is discharged from hospital, so that you can review your child's asthma treatment to avoid the situation rising again.
Download your Asthma Attack Card Here
To order an Asthma Attack Card directly, please contact the Asthma Society of Ireland on 01 8178886 or by email office@asthmasociety.ie
