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Asthma emergencies in children are uncommon as they can be prevented by early treatment. However, they do occur and planning for this rare event is very important.
In a severe attack the child will be:
Distressed and anxious
Gasping for breath
Have difficulty speaking more than one word
Blue around the mouth
What to do during an asthma emergency
Over time, children with asthma learn from their experience of attacks. They usually know what to do and should carry the correct emergency treatment. Since asthma varies from child to child, it is impossible to give rules that suit everyone; however the following guidelines may be helpful.
Ensure that the reliever medicine is taken promptly and properly.
A reliever inhaler should quickly open up narrowed air passages: try to make sure it is inhaled correctly. Preventer medicine is of no use during an attack; it should be used only if the child is due to take it.
Stay calm and reassure the child.
Attacks can be frightening, so stay calm and do things quietly and efficiently. Try tactfully to take your child’s mind off the attack. It is very comforting to have a hand to hold but don’t put your arm around the child’s shoulder at this is very restrictive.
Help the child to breathe.
In an attack people tend to take quick and shallow breaths, so encourage the child to breathe slowly and deeply. Most people with asthma find it easier to sit fairly upright or leaning forward slightly. They may want to rest their hands on their knees to support the chest. Leaning forwards on a cushion can be restful, but make sure that the child’s stomach is not squashed up into the chest. Lying flat on the back is not recommended.
In addition to these three steps, loosen tight clothing around the neck and offer the child a drink of warm water because the mouth becomes dry with rapid breathing.
Seek urgent medical attention if:
The reliever has no effect after 5-10 minutes.
The child is either distressed or unable to talk.
The child is getting exhausted.
You have any doubts at all about your child’s condition.
If a doctor is unobtainable call an ambulance.
Minor attacks should not interrupt a child’s activities. As soon as the attack is over, encourage the child to continue with what they’d been doing. If symptoms recur, the child should repeat the treatment and rest. Medical advice should be sought.
For more information, contact the Asthma Society of Ireland on freephone, 1850 44 54 64.
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