Understanding and Responding to Breathing Emergencies and Asthma

• Dizziness or lightheadedness.
• Numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, or around the mouth.
• Muscle contractions or spasms.

Care for Hyperventilation: The primary goal is to help the person regain control of their breathing. Encourage them to take slow, controlled breaths. You should call EMS/9-1-1 if the condition does not improve, if the person becomes unresponsive, or if you suspect an underlying physical injury is causing the distress.

Managing Asthma Attacks

Asthma is a chronic illness characterized by the inflammation and swelling of the bronchioles—the small tubes at the base of the lungs where oxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged. This swelling and constriction make it difficult for air to move through the airways.

Triggers and Medications

Asthma attacks are often triggered by specific factors, known as asthma triggers, such as allergens (pollen, pet dander), air pollution, extreme weather, or emotional stress.

To manage this chronic condition, patients typically use two types of medication:

1. Long-term control medications (preventers): These are taken regularly to reduce airway inflammation and prevent attacks from occurring.
2. Quick-relief (rescue) medications (bronchodilators): These are used during an acute attack. They work by rapidly relaxing the muscles around the bronchioles to open the airways.

First Aid for an Asthma Attack

If you are assisting someone during an asthma attack, follow these steps:

1. Eliminate Triggers: Move the person away from whatever is causing the reaction (e.g., smoke or dust).
2. Provide Reassurance: Keep the person calm to help reduce their respiratory rate.
3. Assist with Medication: Help the person use their prescribed quick-relief medication.
4. Positioning: Help them sit in a comfortable position, often leaning slightly forward.

Critical Note: If the person's breathing does not improve after using their medication, or if they become unresponsive, contact EMS/9-1-1 immediately.

Using an Inhaler and Spacer

Proper administration of medication is vital for effectiveness. Most asthma patients use a metered-dose inhaler.

For many, using an inhaler with a spacer (a holding chamber) is more effective. A spacer helps deliver the medication more efficiently into the lungs by slowing down the spray and allowing the person to inhale the medicine more deeply and steadily.

Pro-Tip for Caregivers: If the patient has a written Asthma Action Plan, follow its specific instructions immediately. This plan is tailored by their doctor to guide them through different levels of severity.

Summary of Emergency Response

When faced with a breathing emergency, remember the "Check, Call, Care" principle:

1. Check: Assess the scene for safety and check the person for responsiveness and breathing.
2. Call: If the person is in distress or has stopped breathing, call 9-1-1 immediately.
3. Care: Provide assistance based on your training, such as assisting with an inhaler or performing CPR if they are in respiratory arrest.