| Learn about asthma and its symptoms |
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Asthma attacks happen. This is part of the condition, even if you’re scrupulous about using your regular inhaler or other medicine according to what your doctor has recommended, and even if you’ve done all you can to avoid your triggers.
An attack is more than just a small wheeze or slight chest tightness. A full-blown attack does not go away after one use of the inhaler, and often gets worse. The most extreme attacks cause difficulties in breathing to the extent that you may not be able to speak, eat or sleep.
An attack can come on gradually, with mild symptoms such as wheezing and chest tightness becoming gradually more severe and/or frequent. Do not ignore this if you notice it happening to you!
In both children and adults, there are a few steps that can be taken to deal with an asthma attack. First of all, use the emergency relief inhaler without delay (this is usually colour-coded blue). Sitting down and resting can also help, as can loosening tight clothing, especially around the chest and neck, but lying down is not recommended. If this initial treatment does not help, then use the emergency inhaler again, at the rate of one puff every five minutes.
If the symptoms worsen or if these steps don’t lessen the severity of the attack, call an ambulance. Do not stop using the inhaler, but take one puff every minute until the ambulance arrives. Try to keep calm, if possible. Take your medication with you in the ambulance and to hospital – this will help the professionals know the best method of treating your attack.
After an attack, it is wisest to see your doctor or asthma nurse so you can revise your treatment method and general asthma control so that the severity of another attack is reduced. Booking in this appointment should be one of the first things you do after a severe attack, especially if it has meant a visit to the hospital.
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