What to Do During and Asthma Attack

Follow these steps!

1. Stop what you are doing.
2. Take two puffs of your reliever (rescue) inhaler (eg. Ventolin, Bricanyl, Airomir, Oxeze). Make sure you know where this inhaler is at all times.
3. Get away from anything that may be making your asthma worse. If you are playing a sport, stop. If you are in a smoky place, leave. If you are in a home with a pet to which you are allergic, leave. If cold air is making your asthma worse, go somewhere warm.
4. If you still have difficulty breathing after about 10 minutes, take two more puffs of your reliever inhaler.
5. If you are still having problems breathing after a few minutes more, go to the hospital or call an ambulance and take your reliever inhaler regularly along the way. Do not drive yourself.

Call an ambulance immediately if:

• Your symptoms quickly get worse.
• Your lips or nail beds turn bluish or grayish.
• You are unable to speak in full sentences due to your shortness of breath.
• Your breathing is so difficult that you are getting tired.
• Your reliever inhaler isn't helping you.
• You are anxious and sweating from the work needed to breathe.
• You just feel you need to go to the hospital.
• Your peak flow reading (if you use one) is less than 50% of your usual best.

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Tips for managing your asthma at school

1. Make sure you keep your asthma under control. This often means taking a controller medicine in the morning and in the evening. That's a bonus, because you won't usually have to take your controller medicine to school.
2. Try to keep your reliever inhaler (usually blue) with you at all times. Sometimes asthma attacks happen suddenly and you may need it quickly. Check with school policies regarding carrying your own medicines though! It's a good idea to keep a spare reliever in your locker and one at the school office.
3. Know your asthma triggers and try to avoid them. It's always smart to avoid smoky places. Keep in mind that sometimes it's hard to avoid triggers - people can bring pet allergens in on their clothes. You might not want to sit next to someone who has a pet that you're allergic to!
4. Make sure your teachers, coaches, principal and other school staff know that you have asthma and what to do in case you have an attack. Let your friends know too.
5. Bring your asthma medicines with you on school trips and always find out where you're going first, in case it's a place that may cause asthma symptoms.
6. If you have difficulty breathing, tell your teacher or other school staff. Don't be embarrassed - asthma attacks can be dangerous.
7. Don't use asthma as an excuse. If you're experiencing regular asthma symptoms or can't keep up with others during exercise or sports, let your parents know and go to see your doctor. People used to think that if you had asthma you couldn't keep up with everyone else. But with major advancements in asthma medicines and research, people with asthma can now achieve what everyone else does. Want proof? Check out these celebrities and sports stars with asthma.