Asthma Emergencies

A severe asthma flare-up or asthma attack can happen to anyone with asthma, at any time. Symptoms may get gradually or suddenly worse.

In an asthma attack, people’s airways may swell and narrow, causing wheezing, coughing and difficulty breathing.

Signs you need to start asthma first aid and seek urgent medical help (call 111 for an ambulance) immediately include:

• Symptoms get worse very quickly.
• Reliever inhaler has little or no effect.
• Difficulty talking.
• Lips or fingernails have a grey or bluish tinge.
• Nostrils flare when you breathe.
• Heartbeat or pulse is very fast.
• Skin is pulled in around the ribs or neck when the person breathes.
• Collapsing/difficult to walk.

Asthma First Aid

Remember what to do…A-S-T-H-M-A…, Assess, Sit, Treat, Help, Monitor, All Okay!

Download Asthma First Aid Poster (Adolescent and Adult 12 years and over) English

Download Asthma First Aid Poster (Adolescent and Adult 12 years and over) te reo Māori

Download Asthma in School First Aid Poster

Read here.