An asthma attack happens when the airways narrow suddenly, making it difficult to breathe. It can escalate quickly into a life-threatening emergency, so prompt action is vital.
Step 1: Recognize the Signs
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Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or coughing
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Tightness in the chest
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Trouble speaking in full sentences
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Rapid breathing, anxiety, or panic
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In severe cases: blue lips/face, exhaustion, confusion
Step 2: Help the Person Use Their Reliever Inhaler
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Sit the person upright and calm them—do not let them lie down.
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Help them use their blue reliever inhaler (usually salbutamol/albuterol):
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Shake the inhaler.
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Give one puff into the spacer (if available).
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Have them take 4 slow, deep breaths through the spacer.
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If no spacer, have them inhale one puff directly and hold their breath for 10 seconds if possible.
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Repeat: up to 10 puffs, one at a time, with 30–60 seconds between puffs.
Step 3: Call Emergency Services if
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Symptoms do not improve after 10 puffs.
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The person is too breathless to talk, eat, or sleep.
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Their reliever inhaler is not helping as it normally does.
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They do not have their inhaler with them.
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They become drowsy, exhausted, or collapse.
Step 4: While Waiting for Help
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Keep the person sitting upright, leaning slightly forward.
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Stay calm and reassure them—panic worsens symptoms.
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Continue giving one puff every few minutes until emergency help arrives, if symptoms persist.
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If they stop breathing, begin CPR immediately.
Do Not
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Do not lie the person down (it makes breathing harder).
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Do not leave them alone.
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Do not give them food or drink.
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