What kind of first aid is recommended when one gets an asthama attack?!
Question:
Answers:
You should really consult your doctor, but an albuterol inhaler is usually the first option. If that doesn't do it, in extreme cases, you could administer epinephrine (if the patient has an Epi-Pen). However, both of these drugs (especially epinephrine) have pretty profound effects on the heart, so I wouldn't recommend trying it without consulting a doctor.
Short answer - call 911. The paramedics will give albuterol via a nebulizer, and if necessary will give epinephrine.
Other Answers:
Sit the person down and keep them calm. Don't allow anyone to excite the person and call 911.
When to call your Doctor for Asthma Attack
Call 911 Now (your child may need an ambulance) If:
Severe difficulty breathing (struggling for each breath, unable to speak or cry because of difficulty breathing, making grunting noises with each breath)
Your child passed out or has bluish lips/tongue
Wheezing started suddenly after medicine, an allergic food or bee sting.
Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If:
Your child looks or acts very sick
Looks like he did when hospitalized before with asthma
Difficulty breathing not resolved 20 minutes after neb or inhaler
Peak flow rate < 50% of baseline level (personal best)
Peak flow rate 50-80% of baseline level after using neb or inhaler
Wheezing (heard across the room) not resolved 20 minutes after using neb or inhaler
Continuous (nonstop) coughing that keeps from playing or sleeping and not improved after using neb or inhaler
Asthma medicine (neb or inhaler) is needed more frequently than every 4 hours
Fever over104o F (40o C)
Severe chest pain
Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If:
You think your child needs to be seen
Lots of yellow or green nasal discharge now with a fever
Sinus pressure or pain
Fever present for over 3 days
Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If:
You have other questions or concerns
Missing > 1 day of school/month for asthma
Asthma limits exercise or sports
Asthma attacks frequently awaken from sleep
Uses more than 1 inhaler/month
Mild wheezing persists for more than 5 days
No asthma check-up in over 1 year
Parent Care at Home If:
Mild asthma attack and you don’t think your child needs to be seen
Source(s):
http://www.chsd.org/body.cfm?id=608
http://www.dph.sf.ca.us/cehp/Asthma/asthma_attack.htm
http://www.fbhc.org/Patients/Modules/asthma.cfm
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