What to Do When You Have an Asthma Attack
Asthma attacks can feel frightening – for both the person experiencing the attack and those nearby, such as friends or family.
Having a clear plan for what to do during an asthma attack can help stay calm and recover more quickly.
If You Have an Asthma Attack
With an asthma action plan
- Take the relief medication as directed in the plan
- If symptoms continue, follow the next steps in the asthma action plan
- If no improvement 15 minutes – or if unsure – contact your medical team by phone
- Don’t use email or voicemail – speak to someone directly
Without an asthma action plan
- Take 1 puff of the quick-relief inhaler every 30-60 seconds (up to a maximum of 10 puffs)
- If symptoms do not improve after 10 puffs, call the medical team or 911
- While waiting for help,
- another round of maximum 10 puffs can be taken 10 minutes after the first round
- Follow the instructions provided by the 911 dispatcher
Call 911 – Go to the Emergency Room
- Severe wheezing
- Severe coughing
- Inability to speak full sentences due to shortness of breath
- Difficulty walking or talking because of shortness of breath
- Blue or gray skin, lips, or fingernails
- Feeling drowsy or confused during an asthma attack
- Remaining in the red zone of the asthma action plan after 15 minutes, despite following all recommended steps
General Suggestions During an Asthma Attack
- Sit up straight
- Try to stay calm
- Never hesitate to contact the medical team or call 911 if the situation feels unmanageable
After an Asthma Attack
- Take time to rest and recover; feeling tired and exhausted afterward is common
- Contact your doctor or medical team the same day and ask for an urgent appointment (ideally the same day) to review your medication and discuss next steps.
- Continue taking your asthma medication as prescribed until the appointment
If Someone Else Has an Asthma Attack
Asthma attacks can look scary, especially when witnessing one for the first time. While it may feel natural to panic, staying calm and offering support is the most helpful response.
Basic Tips
- Reassure the person that you are there to help and support them
- Ask them to sit in an upright position
- Ask if they have an inhaler or if you can get it for them
- Offer to assist with using the inhaler
- Ask if they have a spacer
- using a spacer during an attack can make the medication more effective
Mild Attacks
- Coughing and wheezing (not severe)
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness or pain
- Able to speak full sentences
What to do:
- Symptoms should improve within a few minutes
- If the person is unsure how often to use the inhaler
- remind them it can be used every 30 to 60 seconds, up to a maximum of 10 puffs
- If there is no improvement after 10 puffs, call 911
- Wait for 10 minutes
- If ambulance has not arrived after 10 minutes, another round of up to 10 puffs may be given
Severe Attacks – Call 911 Immediately
- Extreme tiredness or exhaustion
- Inability to speak full sentences
- Severe wheezing and coughing
- Difficulty walking
- Blue skin, lips, or fingernails
- Drowsiness or confusion