First Aid: Asthma Flare-Ups

During an asthma flare-up (or attack), the airways in the lungs become irritated and swollen, making breathing harder.

Some flare-ups are mild, but others can be life-threatening. So it’s important to know how to spot them and deal with them right away.

Signs & Symptoms

Of an asthma flare-up include:

• wheezing
• coughing
• chest tightness
• shortness of breath

Of a severe asthma flare-up include:

• trouble breathing even when sitting still
• difficulty speaking without pausing
• feeling tired or drowsy
• blueness around the lips
• the areas below the ribs, between the ribs, and in the neck sink in with each breath

What to Do

Doctors usually give patients a detailed asthma action plan that includes how to prevent and handle flare-ups. If your child has an asthma flare-up, follow the plan’s treatment guidelines. Because each child’s asthma is different, each action plan will be too.

Get Emergency Medical Care or Call 911 if Your Child:

• begins to show signs of a severe flare-up
• has a flare-up that enters the danger zone (red zone) of the asthma action plan

Think Prevention!

To help prevent flare-ups:

• Help your child to avoid the triggers that can cause flare-ups.
• Make sure your child takes the long-term control medicine as directed by the doctor — even when feeling well.
• Make sure your child always has the prescribed medicines and takes them to school and on trips.
• Be sure your child gets a flu shot every year.
• Work with the doctor to follow your child’s asthma action plan.