Dr. Rania Abd Elmohsen Abo Elnour
(lecturer in Almostaqbal University _ College of medical and health Techniques and sciences)
Asthma is a potentially life threatening condition affecting the air passages of the lungs. During an asthma attack a casualty can experience difficulty breathing. This is caused by inflammation, swelling and narrowing of the airways in the casualty’s lungs. Thick mucus in the lungs may also contribute. People affected by asthma will often use medication to prevent asthma attacks happening as well as medication to relieve their symptoms if an attack does happen.
Common causes or triggers of an asthma attack include
-plant pollen,
-house dust mites,
animal fur, molds, -
-exercise,
- tobacco smoke
- cold air.
Signs and symptoms (mild to moderate)
• Short of breath
• Dry, irritating, persistent cough
• Chest tightness
• Wheezing
First aid steps:
- Reassure casualty and sit them comfortably upright
- Give 4 puffs of reliever medication, preferably using a spacer device Have them take 4 breaths between each puff
- Wait 4 minutes
- If no improvement give another 4 puffs of reliever medication (as above)
- If little or no improvement call ambulance immediately
- Continue to give 4 puffs of medication every 4 minutes until ambulance arrives or condition improves
- If unconscious, follow Basic Life Support steps