Asthma attacks can be frightening and dangerous experiences. They can happen when symptoms get worse over a number of days or hours or can happen suddenly, even when someone is taking their medication and avoiding their triggers.

If a person has an asthma attack/flare-up or you suspect they are having an attack/flare-up, this is an emergency and you should take immediate action.

Follow the 5 Step Rule

  1. Stay calm. Sit up straight – do not lie down.
  2. Take slow, steady breaths.
  3. Take one puff of your reliever inhaler (usually blue) every minute (use a spacer if available).
    People over 6 years can take up to 10 puffs in 10 minutes.
    Children under 6 can take up to 6 puffs in 10 minutes.
  4. Call 112 or 999 if your symptoms do not improve after 10 minutes.
  5. Repeat Step 3 if an ambulance has not arrived in 10 minutes.

If someone is having an asthma attack/flare-up, remember:

  • Do not leave them on their own.
  • Extra puffs of reliever inhaler (usually blue) are safe.

How to recognise an asthma attack/flare-up

If someone is having an asthma attack/flare-up, they will have one or a combination of any of the symptoms below:

  • Cough
  • Wheeze
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest tightness
  • Too breathless to finish a sentence
  • Too breathless to walk, sleep or eat
  • Lips turning blue
  • Useful videos on what to do in an asthma attack

Adults

Children under 6

 

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