Information provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice and you always seek appropriate professional help or seek immediate medical attention for serious conditions. See full disclaimer here

💨 What to Do If Someone Is Having an Asthma Attack

Asthma attacks can come on quickly and make breathing difficult or frightening — but with calm, confident action, you can help someone recover safely.

Here’s what to do if you think someone is having an asthma attack.

⚠️ Recognising an Asthma Attack

Asthma attacks can vary in severity, but common signs include:

• Difficulty breathing or speaking

• Wheezing or coughing

• Tightness in the chest

• Pale, clammy skin

• Blue lips or fingernails (in severe cases)

• Panic or distress from struggling to breathe

If the person has known asthma, they may already have an inhaler or an asthma action plan. If not, treat it as a medical emergency.

🚑 Step-by-Step: What to Do

1️⃣ Stay Calm and Reassure

Panic makes breathing harder. Speak slowly, stay calm, and encourage the person to sit upright — not to lie down.

2️⃣ Help Them Use Their Inhaler

• Most people use a blue reliever inhaler 

• If they use a spacer, help them attach it and take slow, steady breaths.

• Encourage one puff at a time, with four breaths after each puff.

• They can take up to 10 puffs, one every 30–60 seconds if needed.

If symptoms don’t improve after 10 puffs, or they don’t have their inhaler, move to the next step.

3️⃣ Call 999 or 112 Immediately If:

• They are getting worse or unable to speak more than a few words

• Their reliever inhaler isn’t helping

• They don’t have an inhaler with them

• Their lips or skin are turning blue or pale

• They become exhausted, drowsy, or unresponsive

Stay on the line with the call handler — they will advise you until help arrives.

4️⃣ While Waiting for Help

• Keep them sitting upright and supported.

• Loosen tight clothing around the neck or chest.

• Encourage slow, steady breathing — try breathing with them to keep them calm.

• Do not lie them down, even if they feel faint.

If they become unresponsive and stop breathing, start hands-only CPR — see How to Perform CPR.

💡 If You’re Not Sure It’s Asthma

Sometimes people experience sudden breathlessness for other reasons — like panic attacks or allergic reactions.
If you’re unsure, treat it as asthma:

• Use their reliever inhaler if they have one.

• Call 999 or 112 if there’s no improvement.

🧠 Preventing Asthma Emergencies

People with asthma should:

• Carry their reliever inhaler at all times.

• Know their personal asthma action plan.

• Check their inhaler expiry dates regularly.

• Avoid known triggers like smoke, dust, or pollen where possible.

• Attend regular reviews with their GP or asthma nurse.

Learn Life-Saving Response Skills with DAC Education

Our Emergency First Aid and FREC3 courses teach how to recognise and manage medical emergencies like asthma attacks, allergic reactions, and breathing problems — helping you respond confidently in real situations.

👉 Join a First Aid Course
(Delivered at our Suffolk HQ or on-site for groups of six or more.)

Disclaimer

This article provides general first aid advice. Always call 999 or 112 if you suspect a severe asthma attack, or if symptoms do not improve after using an inhaler.