Asthma
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Asthma Care and Emergency Response
Understanding Asthma
Asthma is a common, potentially life-threatening condition characterized by intermittent airway obstructions that are reversible.
It affects the airways, causing them to narrow and become inflamed when exposed to triggers such as allergens or irritants.
Key Statistics
- UK Statistics: Approximately 5.4 million people in the UK receive treatment for asthma, including 1.1 million children.
- Mortality: Around 2,000 people in the UK die annually from asthma-related causes.
- Household Prevalence: Asthma affects one in five households in the UK.
Signs and Symptoms
Common signs of asthma include breathing difficulties, coughing, wheezing, anxiety, and exhaustion. Severe asthma attacks may require immediate medical attention.
Life-Threatening Symptoms
- Altered consciousness
- Cyanosis (blue lips or extremities)
- Severe exhaustion
- Poor respiratory effort
- Peak flow less than 33%
- Blood oxygen levels less than 92%
- Silent chest (no breath sounds)
If any of these symptoms are present, call emergency medical services (EMS) immediately.
Treatment and Management
Asthma management includes preventive and acute treatment:
Medications
Patients typically use two types of inhalers: a preventative (brown) inhaler and a reliever (blue) inhaler for acute attacks.
Using an Inhaler
The inhaler administers medication directly into the lungs. Ensure the patient knows how to use it properly during an attack.
Emergency Response Guidelines
Follow these steps if someone is having an asthma attack:
- Encourage the patient to use their reliever inhaler.
- Obtain the patient's recent medical history.
- Sit them down and loosen tight clothing.
- Do not lay them down; standing or sitting is preferable.
- If symptoms persist, administer one puff of the reliever inhaler every minute for five minutes.
- If no improvement, call 999 (UK emergency number) or a doctor urgently.
- Continue administering the inhaler until help arrives.
Always err on the side of caution and seek medical attention if unsure, even if the patient resists.
Conclusion
Asthma attacks can be frightening, but prompt and proper response can mitigate risks. Ensure you communicate with parents or guardians if treating a child with asthma.
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