Asthma attacks

The information here is for adults. Get advice on what to do if your child has an asthma attack

You may be at risk of an asthma attack if:

• your symptoms are quickly getting worse (cough, breathlessness, wheezing or tight chest) 
• your reliever inhaler does not seem to be helping as much as usual, or you need it more often 
• you’re finding it difficult to walk or talk 
• your peak flow score is much lower than usual.

You may have all of these signs and symptoms, or you may have just some of them.

For example, you may not notice a wheeze, or your peak flow score may be normal, even though you have symptoms.

Always carry your reliever inhaler with you so you can use it quickly if you get symptoms or have an attack. 
 

1. Sit up - try to keep calm.

2. Take one puff of your blue reliever inhaler every 30-60 seconds up to 10 puffs.

3. If you feel worse at any point OR you don’t feel better after 10 puffs, call 999 for an ambulance.

4. If the ambulance has not arrived after 10 minutes and your symptoms are not improving, repeat step 2.

5. If your symptoms are no better after repeating step 2, and the ambulance has still not arrived, contact 999 again immediately.

If you do not have your blue reliever inhaler, call 999 straight away.

1. Sit up - try to keep calm.
2. Take one puff of your MART inhaler every 1 to 3 minutes up to six puffs.
3. If you feel worse at any point OR you do not feel better after six puffs, call 999 for an ambulance.
4. If the ambulance has not arrived after 10 minutes and your symptoms are not improving, repeat step 2.
5. If your symptoms are no better after repeating step 2, and the ambulance has still not arrived, contact 999 again immediately.

If you do not have your MART inhaler, call 999 straight away.

1. Sit up - try to keep calm.
2. Take one puff of your AIR inhaler every 1 to 3 minutes up to six puffs.
3. If you feel worse at any point OR you do not feel better after six puffs, call 999 for an ambulance.
4. If the ambulance has not arrived after 10 minutes and your symptoms are not improving, repeat step 2.
5. If your symptoms are no better after repeating step 2, and the ambulance has still not arrived, contact 999 again immediately.

If you do not have your AIR inhaler, call 999 straight away.

If you do not have your reliever inhaler, and you’re struggling to breathe, call 999 straight away.

Do not wait to see if you get better on your own. An asthma attack makes it hard to breathe, which is a medical emergency. You must get the reliever treatment you need quickly.

1. Sit up and try to stay calm.
2. Call 999 for an ambulance.
3. Tell the call handler that you do not have a reliever inhaler with you.

Remember, someone who is having an asthma attack can feel distressed and anxious. It’s important to reassure them and help them stay as calm as possible.

Call 999 straight away if they do not have a reliever inhaler with them.

1. Help them to sit up in a comfortable position.
2. Help them to use their reliever inhaler, following our asthma attack guidance.
3. Call 999 if they do not feel better, or if you are worried at any point.

If they have a blue reliever inhaler, watch our video. 

Call your GP surgery and tell them you need a follow-up appointment after having an asthma attack.

Even if you’re feeling better now, you still need an appointment. Your GP or nurse can help you lower your risk of another attack.

• If you managed your attack yourself using your reliever inhaler, ask for an urgent, same-day appointment with your GP or nurse.
• If you were treated in hospital, or by paramedics in an ambulance, you need a follow-up appointment no later than two working days after treatment for your attack.

It can sometimes be hard to get a GP appointment. Tell the receptionist that asthma guidelines recommend an urgent appointment to lower your risk of another attack.

Find out more about what to do after an asthma attack and how to avoid another one.