British Red Cross: Asthma Attacks
British Red Cross: Asthma Attacks
An asthma attack can be frightening for little ones and those looking after them, so it’s important to be prepared. As everyone’s asthma is different, you should be aware of what triggers asthma for the children in your setting. A child who has asthma will normally have an inhaler that their doctor has prescribed. They may also have a spacer, which makes the inhaler more effective.
How can I tell if a child is having an asthma attack?
A child with asthma may be able to let you know if they are having an attack.
A child having an asthma attack will have difficulty breathing and speaking, and may cough and wheeze. They may be very anxious and distressed as they struggle to breathe.
In some cases, their lips, earlobes and nail beds may turn greyish-blue because there isn’t enough oxygen in their body.
Here’s how to help if a child in your care has an asthma attack:
1. Help them to sit in a comfortable position and take their inhaler (1-2 puffs every 30-60 seconds, up to 10 puffs). If they have a personal asthma plan, they should follow this and seek medical advice if necessary.
2. Stay with them and reassure them until they are completely recovered.
Call 999 if they:
‒ are having their first attack
‒ are finding it difficult to talk or make noise
‒ are becoming exhausted
‒ aren’t helped by their inhaler
‒ don’t have any asthma medication with them
‒ get worse, become unresponsive or stop breathing.
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Red Cross Training’s blended paediatric first aid course is available to book now. It includes one day of online training and one day of face-to-face training and is ideal for learners who have attended a paediatric first aid course previously.
Learn more
https://www.redcrossfirstaidtraining.co.uk/courses/first-aid-at-work-courses-uk-mainland/
Please note, the information in this article is provided by the British Red Cross and does not represent the views or opinions of Morton Michel.