What to do in an asthma attack
Even if you avoid all know triggers and take your asthma medication correctly you may occasionally have an asthma attack.
What to do in an asthma attack
1.Take one to two puffs of your reliever inhaler (usually blue), immediately.
2.Sit down and try to take slow, steady breaths.
3.If you do not start to feel better, takea further two puffs of your reliever inhaler (one puff at a time)everytwo minutes. You can take up to ten puffs.
4.If you do not feelbetter after taking your inhaler as above, or if you are worried at any time, call 999.
5.If an ambulance does not arrive within 10 minutes andyou are still feeling unwell,repeat step 3.
If your symptoms improve and you do not need to call 999, you stillneed to see a doctor or asthma nurse within 24 hours.
How do I know that I am having an asthma attack?
The following are signs that you are having an asthma attack
- Your reliever inhaler does not help.
- Your symptoms are getting worse (cough, breathlessness, wheeze or tight chest).
- You are too breathless to speak, eat or sleep.
Do not be afraid to seek help, even at night. If you go to your accident and emergency department or need to call an ambulance please make sure they know which medication you usually take.
What should I do after an asthma attack:
Make an appointment with your doctor or asthma nurse for an asthma review within 48 hours of your attack.
You will also need another review within one or two weeks toreviewyour current asthma treatment and ensure your asthma is well controlled.
Do not ignore worsening symptoms
Asthma attacks can often be the result of gradual worsening of symptoms over a few days that you may not have noticed.
Needing to use your reliever inhaler more than three times aweek may suggest that your asthma is not as well controlled as it could be.
If your asthma symptoms are getting worse or you're using your reliever inhaler more, don't ignore it.
If your symptoms continue to get worse, make an urgent appointment to see your doctor or asthma nurse within 24 hours.
Signs that your asthma is getting worse
Sometimes you may find that your regular asthma treatments are not working as well as normal and your asthma is getting worse.
ASTHMA
When you are well you should be able to do all the daily things that you normally do. Signs that your asthma is getting worse include:
• needing more and more reliever medicine
• feeling like your asthma medicines are not working as well as they normally do
• waking at night with coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or a tight chest
• feeling that you cannot keep up with your normal level of activity or exercise.
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