Asthma Attacks
This page will help you prepare and act appropriately to manage asthma attacks.
When do asthma attacks occur?
Asthma attacks can occur either gradually or suddenly, characterized by the worsening or intensification of symptoms due to exposure to certain asthma triggers, which can vary from one patient to another.
What are the symptoms of an asthma attack?
- Signs of a severe asthma attack include:
- Severe and persistent wheezing and coughing.
- Severe chest tightness, especially during eating, talking, or sleeping.
- Increased breathing rate.
- Increased heart rate.
- Extreme fatigue or light-headedness.
- Lips and fingers turning blue.
Fainting.
How do you deal with an asthma attack?
If you or someone around you is having an asthma attack, follow these steps:
- Step 1:
- Help the patient sit down.
Reassure and encourage them to stay calm.
- Step 2:
- Shake the “blue” relief inhaler well.
- Place the inhaler’s mouthpiece in your mouth, or attach it to a spacer if available.
- Press down on the inhaler once and inhale slowly, taking four steady breaths.
- Repeat the steps, with four breaths for each inhalation.
Step 3:
- Wait four minutes and repeat Step 2 if the person is still having difficulty breathing. Contact your country’s ambulance number and continue repeating the steps until the ambulance arrives.
Remember: Four separate inhalations, with four breaths per inhalation. Repeat every four minutes if needed..
Ambulance Numbers in the Gulf States:
Oman: 9999
Saudi Arabia: 997
Kuwait: 112
Qatar: 999
UAE: 998
Bahrain: 999
Yemen: 195
