Asthma attack
ASTHMA
During an asthma attack, the muscles of the bronchi contract and the mucous membrane swells, causing their diameter to narrow and the person to start wheezing.
Classification and causes
An asthma attack can be triggered by known allergic factors: cold, cigarette smoke, medications, etc. Sometimes the reasons triggering an asthma attack are unknown.
How to recognize?
An asthma attack usually starts at night. Breathing becomes more difficult, the person feels shortness of breath, and wheezing sounds are heard while breathing. A person with asthma takes measures to ease breathing, using inhalers (the clearest sign of an asthma attack).
Such patients have two types of medications. Inhalers with a blue cap help ease breathing and stop an asthma attack, while those with a brown or white cap are used for preventing shortness of breath attacks. The latter medications should not be used during an attack. Medications with a blue cap effectively ease breathing.
First aid
Objectives
1. Calm the patient, help them find the appropriate medication.
2. Stop the asthma attack.
Actions
1. Stay calm, reassure the wheezing person, ask them to breathe slowly and deeply.
2. Help them find medication that eases breathing (with a blue cap), encourage them to inhale it. The effect should be noticeable within 5 minutes. If there is no improvement, administer the medication again.
3. Do not lay the patient down, allow them to find a comfortable position.
Dangers and notes
Emergency medical assistance should be called if:
• asthma occurs for the first time;
• after inhaling medication, there is no improvement after 5 minutes;
• due to shortness of breath, the person cannot speak;
• the condition worsens.