Emergency

Asthma Attack

During an asthma attack, help the person sit up and take their reliever (blue) inhaler — one puff every 30–60 seconds up to 10 puffs — and call 999 if it does not improve.

When to call 999. Call 999 if the reliever inhaler does not help after 10 puffs, if the person is too breathless to speak, eat or sleep, if their lips turn blue, if they are exhausted, or if you are worried at any point. Keep giving the inhaler while waiting.

Written by Meds Global Health Clinical Team · Clinically reviewed by Dr Muhammad Suffyan, MB BS, Founder & Clinical Director · Last reviewed · How we review

What to do

  1. Help the person sit up straight — do not let them lie down — and keep them calm, as panic makes it worse.
  2. Help them take one puff of their reliever (usually blue) inhaler, ideally through a spacer if they have one.
  3. Repeat one puff every 30–60 seconds, up to a maximum of 10 puffs.
  4. If they feel no better after 10 puffs, or you are worried at any stage, call 999.
  5. While waiting for the ambulance, keep giving one puff every 30–60 seconds, up to 10 puffs, and repeat again after a few minutes if the ambulance has not arrived.
  6. If they become unresponsive and stop breathing normally, start CPR.

Avoid

What not to do

Do not lie the person down, do not leave them alone, and do not delay calling 999 if the reliever is not working. Do not assume a preventer (usually brown) inhaler will help in an attack — the reliever is the emergency inhaler.

Afterwards and while you wait

Even if the attack settles, the person should see a doctor or asthma nurse the same day, or sooner, to review their treatment. Anyone who needed 999 or extra reliever should have an urgent review, as another attack can follow.

Education and reference only. This is general first-aid information aligned with UK guidance, not a substitute for a hands-on first-aid course or professional emergency care. In a life-threatening emergency, call 999 straight away.

Answers

Asthma Attack: frequently asked questions

Which inhaler is used in an asthma attack?

The reliever inhaler, usually blue, which opens the airways quickly. The preventer (often brown) is taken daily to prevent attacks and does not act fast enough to help during one.

Can I keep giving puffs while waiting for the ambulance?

Yes. Keep giving one puff every 30 to 60 seconds up to 10 puffs, and repeat the cycle after a few minutes if the ambulance has not arrived and symptoms continue.

Related

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Sources

Where this is drawn from

  • NHS — first aid
  • Resuscitation Council UK
  • St John Ambulance / British Red Cross first-aid guidance

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