How to treat – an Asthma attack.
Hot summer days (what we see of them) are a great excuse for getting out in the fresh air and doing things. That’s fine unless you suffer from asthma, in which case the dry, humid air and the pollen etc floating in it can cause you major problems.
Asthma is an allergic reaction affecting the bronchiole tubes in the lungs and is caused by exposure to airborne irritants such as dust, dirt, fumes and pollen. The muscles surrounding the bronchiole tubes go into spasm and constrict, making it very hard for the patient to breathe.
Some of the possible signs and symptoms that you may see are:
• Difficulty in breathing and speaking,
• Wheezy breath sounds (on expiration) originating from the lungs,
• Pale, clammy skin,
• Visible use of muscles in the neck and upper chest to help the patient to breathe,
• Patient will become exhausted by a severe attack,
• The patient may become unconscious and in the worst case, stop breathing.
Treatment of an asthma attack
Firstly, remove the patient from the cause (dust, dirt, heat etc) if possible. A well ventilated room would be good so long as the irritants can’t get in through an open window. Do not take them out into cold winter air as this will irritate the lungs even more.
Sit the patient down on a chair if they can keep themselves upright, on the floor if not, leaning forward. Loosen all tight clothing. Do not lay the patient down unless they go unconscious, in which case so long as they are breathing, they should be placed in the recovery position.
Help the patient use their Blue (Ventolin) reactive inhaler. The patient may have other inhalers but these are designed to control ongoing respiratory problems, not open up the bronchiole tubes (like the Ventolin does) in an emergency. Most people only need to use the inhaler twice which means that the attack is generally minor in nature and thus an Ambulance is unlikely to be needed.
The patient can take more doses of Ventolin every couple of minutes if the attack does not ease, however, the repeated use of the medication should be seen as an indication that the medication is not working effectively and an Ambulance is required.
Try to calm the casualty and coach them trying to slow their breathing down by taking long breaths and holding it for a few seconds (easy to say but difficult for them to do).
If the attack is prolonged, severe appears to be getting worse or the casualty is becoming exhausted, call 999 and ask for an Ambulance.
If the patient collapses, carry out a primary survey (Check for Danger and clear a space around you and the patient, check that they are Responsive. If not open their Airway and check for Breathing). So long as the casualty is breathing, place them in the recovery position and monitor closely.
If they do stop breathing, ensure an Ambulance has been called and commence CPR.
