Asthma
What are the warning signs?
There are three types of asthma attacks, mild, moderate, and serve. A mild asthma attack will have the victim coughing, wheezing, experiencing some shortness of breath, and still being able to speak in full sentences between breaths. In the case of a moderate asthma attack the victim would be continuously coughing, with moderate to loud wheezing, they would have difficulty breathing, and only be able to speak in short phrases. If the victim is having a severe asthma attack they would have sever difficulty breathing, be able to speak no more than a few words between breaths, have very quiet wheezing, look pale and sweaty, and they may have blue lips. How to help the victim? In the case of a standard asthma attack the most important thing is to stay calm and reassuring, to help the person relax and try and make their breathing more regular. It is also important to remove the victim from any possible asthma triggers such as smoke or dust. Then help the victim to sit upright, as lying down can make breathing harder. Ask the person if they have an asthma attack action plan, and if so, follow it. However if the person is unable to talk, check if they have a inhaler with them and get the victim to use it. If there is no inhaler, or it doesn't work, or if their lips turn blue, or they go unconscious, call 000 for help. |