Asthma — Reference Guide

? Asthma

Understanding Asthma – How to Recognise and Respond

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a long-term (chronic) condition that affects the airways in the lungs, making it hard to breathe.

?️ How Asthma Affects Airways

People with asthma have sensitive airways that react to certain triggers. When exposed to a trigger:

  • The muscles around the airways tighten (bronchoconstriction)
  • The lining of the airways becomes inflamed
  • The airways produce extra mucus

This narrows the airways, making it difficult to breathe.

⚠️ Causes

Common triggers include:

  • Cold air ❄️
  • Dust, pollen, mould ?
  • Pet fur ?
  • Cigarette smoke ?
  • Exercise ?
  • Infections (e.g. cold or flu) ?
  • Stress or strong emotions ?
  • Chemicals or fumes ☣️

? Signs & Symptoms

  • Wheezing (whistling sound when breathing)
  • Coughing (often worse at night or early morning)
  • Tight chest
  • Shortness of breath

Symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening.

Treatment

Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be managed with:

  • Reliever inhalers (blue) – for fast relief during symptoms
  • Preventer inhalers (brown/orange) – used daily to prevent symptoms
  • Spacers – help deliver inhaler medicine more effectively

❗ Recognising an Asthma Attack

Look for:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Wheezing, coughing, or tight chest
  • Speaking in short sentences
  • Pale, clammy skin
  • Cyanosis (blue lips or fingertips) in severe cases
  • Little or no improvement after inhaler use

? Emergency Treatment Steps

  1. Keep them calm and seated upright
    Reassure them and encourage slow, steady breathing.
  2. Help them take their reliever inhaler (usually blue)
    • Use a spacer if available.
    • 1 puff every 30–60 seconds, up to 10 puffs.
    • Shake the inhaler before each puff.
  3. Call 999 immediately if:
    • No improvement after 10 puffs
    • They are getting worse
    • They are too breathless to speak
    • They collapse or become unresponsive
  4. While waiting for help:
    • Stay with them.
    • Continue giving 1 puff every minute up to 10 more puffs if needed.

? Do Not

  • Lie them down
  • Leave them alone
  • Assume it will get better on its own

? If They Recover

  • Monitor them closely
  • Advise follow-up with a GP or asthma nurse
  • Record the incident if in a workplace or school

© 2025 First Aid For All | Skills for Life

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