Asthma First Aid for Asthma Attacks & Flare-ups

 

Asthma attacks can happen suddenly, and knowing what to do can save a life. Quick action helps improve breathing, prevents symptoms from getting worse, and may reduce the need for emergency care.

 

This guide covers:

 

  • How to give immediate first aid for asthma

  • Signs of a severe asthma attack and when to call for help

  • Steps to keep yourself or someone you care for safe during a flare-up

By recognising the signs early and following a clear action plan, you can respond calmly and effectively.

 

Understanding Asthma First Aid

 

What is Asthma First Aid?

 

This is the immediate care given when someone has an asthma attack or sudden flare-up. It aims to quickly open the airways, ease breathing, and prevent symptoms from worsening. Unlike regular asthma management, which uses preventer medicines daily to reduce triggers and inflammation, first aid focuses on urgent steps during an emergency.

 

Following an asthma first aid plan helps keep the person safe until symptoms improve or professional help arrives.

 

When is Asthma First Aid Needed?

 

This is needed when symptoms appear suddenly or become worse than usual.

 

Situations include:

 

  • Wheezing, coughing or shortness of breath that does not improve with usual reliever use

  • Trouble speaking in full sentences

  • Feeling anxious, panicked, or exhausted from breathing effort

It’s vital to act fast. Delays can increase the risk of severe asthma or hospitalisation. Always follow the 4-step asthma first aid plan and call triple zero (000) if symptoms are severe.

 

Recognising the Severity of an Asthma Attack

 

Early Warning Signs

 

Asthma attacks often start with mild symptoms. Common warning signs include:

 

  • Coughing, especially at night or early morning

  • Wheezing or whistling sound when breathing

  • Shortness of breath or chest tightness

  • Needing a reliever inhaler more often

These signs mean asthma is not under control. Early action can stop symptoms from becoming severe.

 

Severe Symptoms

 

An asthma attack can become life-threatening. Severe symptoms include:

 

  • Difficulty speaking or completing sentences

  • Blue or grey lips, face, or fingertips

  • Very fast or very slow breathing

  • Feeling drowsy, exhausted, or confused


These signs mean immediate danger. Call triple zero (000) for an ambulance and start asthma first aid without delay. Stay with the person until help arrives.

 

Step-by-Step Asthma First Aid

 

Immediate Actions to Take

 

During an asthma attack, follow these steps carefully:

 

  1. Sit upright and stay calm. Reassure the person to reduce panic.

  2. Give four puffs of a reliever inhaler (usually blue/grey) using a spacer if available. Take one puff at a time, with four breaths after each puff.

  3. Wait 4 minutes. If symptoms do not improve, give another four puffs.

  4. Call emergency services (000) if there is still no improvement.


Stay with the person until help arrives and monitor breathing and consciousness.

 

 

When to call emergency services immediately

 

Call triple zero (000) without delay if the person:

 

  • Cannot speak in full sentences or is gasping for breath

  • Has blue/grey lips or face

  • Shows little or no improvement after reliever inhaler use

  • Becomes very drowsy, confused, or exhausted

  • Has a history of severe asthma attacks


Prompt emergency response can save lives. Even if symptoms seem to improve, monitoring is crucial. Do not delay calling triple zero (000).

 

Asthma Medications & Devices Used in First Aid

 

Blue/Grey Reliever Inhalers

 

Blue or grey reliever inhalers, such as Ventolin® or Asmol®, are used during asthma attacks for fast symptom relief. They work by relaxing the muscles around the airways to open the lungs, helping the person breathe more easily within minutes. Relievers are not for daily prevention, only for urgent symptom relief.

 

Dual-Purpose Relievers

 

Some inhalers, like Symbicort® or Fostair®, are dual-purpose.

 

They can be used:

 

  • Regularly, as a preventer to reduce inflammation

  • During an attack, as a reliever to ease breathing

These inhalers combine a preventer and reliever in one device, providing flexibility for patients who need both functions.

 

(Photo of Symbicort/Fostair inhaler or a person using it with a spacer.)

 

 

Using an Inhaler and Spacer

 

In asthma first aid, the recommended reliever medication salbutamol (Ventolin®) is most effective when administered with a spacer. Correct inhaler technique is crucial for effective asthma relief in asthma first aid:

 

  1. Shake the inhaler well.

  2. Attach it to a spacer (if available).

  3. Breathe out fully, place the mouthpiece in the mouth, and press the inhaler once.

  4. Breathe in slowly and deeply, then hold your breath for 5–10 seconds.

  5. Repeat if more puffs are prescribed.


Spacers improve medication delivery to the lungs, especially for children or anyone struggling with coordination.

 

 

(An infographic demonstrating the correct technique for using a reliever inhaler with a spacer.)

 

Post-attack care

 

Avoid triggers

 

After an asthma attack, it’s important to reduce the risk of another flare-up. Steps include:

 

  • Identify and avoid triggers such as smoke, dust, strong perfumes, pollen, or cold air.

  • Stay indoors during high pollen or poor air quality days.

  • Clean and ventilate living spaces regularly to reduce dust or mould.

  • Monitor symptoms and keep a reliever inhaler accessible.


Small changes in your environment can significantly reduce the likelihood of another attack.

 

Book an appointment with your GP

 

After a flare-up, seeing your GP is crucial to prevent future attacks. During the visit, you can:

 

  • Review your asthma action plan

  • Adjust medications or preventers if needed

  • Discuss strategies to avoid triggers


Take action now: Book a convenient appointment online with Myhealth to review your asthma management and stay protected from future flare-ups.

 

Helpful Links:

Asthma
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