Asthma: Understanding the Condition and Providing First Aid Response
Asthma epidemiology and condition
Asthma is a reactive airway illness in which the person has repeated shortness of breath, characterized by wheezing and coughing. A mild asthma attack is not a health emergency and can be managed by the casualty. A severe asthma attack can be fatal and requires immediate first aid. In response to a ‘trigger’ the person’s airway can spasm, swell and secrete thick mucus, which narrows the airway passage. Some common triggers that can cause asthma are:
Colds, upper airway infections
Pet dander
Insect bites, stings
Foods
Pollen, paint and smoke
Essential products for Asthma first aid care
Recognition
There may be:
Difficulty in breathing, especially breathing out.
There may be:
Coughing and wheezing
Difficulty in speaking
Gray-blue coloring in skin,
lips, earlobes, and nailbeds,
Siting upright position,
Anxiety,
Fast pulse rate.
In a severe attack:
Exhaustion and possible loss of consciousness
What to do
Help causality use inhaler-Keep calm and reassure the casualty. Help her find and use her inhaler (it is usually blue or white); use a spacer device if she has one. The inhaler should take effect within minutes.
Encourage slow breaths-Help the casualty into a comfortable breathing position; sitting slightly forward is best. Tell her to breathe slowly and deeply. A mild attack should ease within a few minutes. If it does not, ask the casualty to take another dose from her inhaler.
What to do in severe asthma attack?
Perform a scene survey
Place the casualty in the most comfortable position for breathing. This is usually sitting upright with arms resting on a table.
Help the casualty take prescribed medication.
Give ongoing casualty care.
If the unconscious casualty stops breathing, begin CPR.
A person with asthma may carry medication in the form of a: Metered-dose inhaler (MDI)
Usually the person can give themselves this medication without help. If the person needs help, a first aider can assist.
An inhaler delivers a pre-measured amount of medication. Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Check the prescription label to confirm the casualty’s name and expiry date.
Metered-dose inhaler
The metered dose inhaler (or “puffer”) is the more common method of delivering medication for asthma.
Shake the container, then remove the cap.
Tell the casualty to breathe out completely
Tell the casualty to breathe in slowly and deeply—as the casualty does, the MDI will be pressed to release the medication.
The MDI can be in the mouth, or just in front of the mouthy,
Spacer
When the medication comes out of the inhaler, it may be deposited on the back of the throat and not reach the lungs or the casualty may be gasping for air and unable to hold their breath. To deal with this, use a spacer if available. It traps the particles of the spray, allowing the casualty to inhale more effectively over several breaths. Spacers make it simple to inhale the medication, and should always be used when available. Small children and other casualties who have difficulties coordinating proper inhalation with the release of the medication will often have spacers with them
It allows them to inhale two or three times before the medication is completely dispelled. A mask can be attached to the device to make taking the medication easier. If the casualty complains of throat irritation after using the inhaler, have them gargle or rinse the mouth with water.