What to Do When a Child Is Having an Asthma Attack
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🧒 What to Do When a Child Is Having an Asthma Attack
Asthma a common long-term conditions in children, and attacks can happen suddenly — at school, at home, or during play.
Knowing what to do quickly and calmly can make all the difference.
Here’s how to recognise the signs and help a child during an asthma attack.
⚠️ Recognising an Asthma Attack in a Child
Children can’t always explain how they feel, so it’s important to spot the warning signs early.
Common signs include:
Persistent coughing, especially at night or after exercise
Wheezing or whistling sounds when breathing
Struggling to breathe or speak in full sentences
Tightness in the chest or saying “my chest hurts”
Becoming quiet, pale, or anxious
Blue tinge around the lips or fingertips (in severe cases)
If you think a child is having an asthma attack, don’t wait — act immediately.
🚑 Step-by-Step: What to Do
1️⃣ Stay Calm and Reassure the Child
Panic will symptoms worse.
Encourage them to sit upright and stay still, leaning slightly forward if comfortable.
Never lie them down.
2️⃣ Help Them Use Their Reliever Inhaler
Most children will have a blue reliever inhaler (usually salbutamol).
If available:
Attach the inhaler to a spacer (a clear plastic chamber).
Shake the inhaler well and insert it into the spacer.
Help the child take one puff at a time, breathing as normally as possible in and out through the spacer.
Wait 30–60 seconds between puffs.
Give up to 10 puffs if symptoms don’t ease.
3️⃣ Call 999 or 112 Immediately If:
The child is not improving after 10 puffs
They can’t speak or walk due to breathlessness
Their lips or skin are turning blue or pale
They don’t have an inhaler
They are getting exhausted, floppy, or unresponsive
Tell the call handler you think the child is having an asthma attack.
4️⃣ While Waiting for Help
Keep the child sitting upright — never flat or leaning back.
Loosen tight clothing around the neck and chest.
Encourage slow breathing — blowing bubbles or counting breaths can help younger children stay calm.
Continue giving the reliever inhaler every few minutes if symptoms persist until help arrives.
If the child becomes unresponsive and stops breathing, begin CPR immediately — see How to Perform CPR.
🧠 After the Attack
Always let the child rest and recover fully.
Inform their parents, school nurse, or GP about the attack.
Make sure their inhaler is accessible at all times — at school, at home, and during activities.
💡 Preventing Asthma Attacks in Children
Make sure they take their preventer inhaler regularly (usually brown or orange).
Avoid triggers such as cold air, smoke, pollen, or pet dander.
Keep reliever inhalers in easy reach — never locked away.
Teachers and carers should know each child’s asthma action plan.
Learn Paediatric First Aid with DAC Education
Our Paediatric and Family First Aid courses include practical asthma management training — perfect for parents, carers, and teachers.
Learn how to use spacers, recognise breathing distress, and stay calm when a child needs you most.
👉 Join a Paediatric First Aid Course
(Delivered at our Suffolk HQ or on-site for groups of six or more.)