Asthma

Overview

Asthma is a condition where the airways narrow and become inflamed, making breathing difficult. Quick use of a reliever medicine can be lifesaving.

Signs and Symptoms

• Wheeze or noisy breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Persistent cough
• Chest tightness
• Difficulty speaking in full sentences
• Pale, sweaty, anxious, exhausted, or blue around the lips in severe cases

Asthma First Aid

• Sit the person upright and keep them calm.
• Help them use a blue or grey reliever puffer, ideally with a spacer.
• Give 4 separate puffs into the spacer, one puff at a time, with breaths after each puff.
• Wait as directed by Asthma First Aid guidance, then repeat if symptoms continue.
• Follow the person's asthma action plan if available.

When to Call 000

Call 000 urgently if:

• The person is having severe breathing difficulty
• They cannot speak normally
• Symptoms do not improve or quickly return
• They are exhausted, drowsy, blue, or collapsing
• You are unsure whether it is asthma, anaphylaxis, or another emergency