What is it?
Asthma is caused by a swelling of the airway linings. The airways narrow, causing difficulties breathing out.
Symptoms
- Severe difficulty breathing
- Wheezing
- Distress and anxiety
- Exhaustion from effort of breathing
- Grey/blue skin
- Dry cough
First aid aims
- Ease casualty's breathing
- Get emergency help, if needed
Actions
- If this is their first attack, reassure casualty and help them to relax
- Encourage them to use their inhaler (if available)
- Ask them to breathe slowly and deeply
- Help them to sit down and relax. If indoors, open the windows to ensure a supply of fresh air.
- If the attack does not ease in a few minutes, advise them to take another dose from their inhaler.
Further action
If the attack is severe, or the casualty does not respond to medication, call 999.
