Asthma Attack

Asthma is a common condition that affects your breathing. It cannot be cured, but with good treatment, most people can live normal lives without problems.

What Are the Signs of Asthma?

The main signs of asthma are breathing problems like:

• Wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe)
• Coughing
• Feeling out of breath
• Your chest feeling tight

These signs can be mild or severe. They usually come and go, and are often worse at night or early morning.

What Is an Asthma Attack?

An asthma attack is when you have severe breathing problems that can be life-threatening. Your airways become very narrow and swollen, making it very hard to breathe.

Different things can trigger an attack, including:

• Exercise
• Air pollution
• Cold air
• Things you're allergic to (like pollen, dust, mould, or animals)
• Viruses like colds or flu

Emergency Signs - Call 999 If:

• Someone is having an asthma attack and gets worse at any time
• They don't feel better after using their inhaler to the maximum dose
• They don't have an inhaler with them

Don't drive to A&E yourself - always call 999.

What to Do During an Asthma Attack

If you're having an asthma attack:

1. Sit up straight to help your breathing
2. Stay calm
3. Use your reliever inhaler: - Blue inhaler: Take 1 puff every 30-60 seconds, up to 10 puffs maximum - AIR or MART inhaler: Take 1 puff every 1-3 minutes, up to 6 puffs maximum - Shake between each puff and use a spacer if you have one

If you don't feel better after 10 minutes and the ambulance hasn't arrived, use your inhaler again up to the same maximum dose.

After an Asthma Attack

Even if you feel better, you must see your GP within 2 days. This is important to:

• Review your treatment
• Get advice to prevent another attack
• Update your asthma action plan

Living Well with Asthma

Always do:

• Carry your inhaler with you
• Use your inhalers as your care team recommends
• Avoid your triggers where possible
• Exercise regularly (speak to your GP about safe exercise if it triggers your asthma)
• Keep to a healthy weight
• Get vaccinations like the flu vaccine

Don't:

• Smoke (get help to quit if you need it)
• Take other medicines without checking with your GP or pharmacist first - some like aspirin, ibuprofen and beta blockers can trigger asthma

Getting Help

If you have asthma signs, speak to your GP. They'll ask questions, listen to your chest, and may do simple breathing tests. You might get a peak flow meter to use at home to check how well your lungs are working.

Your care team will create an asthma action plan with you. This explains how to use your medicines and what to do if your breathing gets worse.

Remember, with the right treatment, most people with asthma can live full, active lives. The key is working with your care team to find what works best for you.

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Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.