Triggers — things that trigger an asthma attack
• Infections: viral respiratory infections
• Foods/allergens, latex, medical conditions
• Irritants: smoke, dust, chalk dust, strong odors, cold air
• Behaviors: emotions, exercise, smoking
Symptoms of an asthma attack
• Wheezing
• Coughing
• Difficulty breathing/ shortness of breath
• Tightness in the chest/ chest pain
• Retractions — neck area and/or muscles in rib area move in and out with each breath
Actions to take for an asthma episode
• Remain calm and reassure the person as you provide assistance
• Stop the person‘s physical activity and make sure they remain calm (might try belly breathing)
• Remove them from exposure to known triggers
• Have someone stay with the person
• Follow the person‘s asthma action plan
• take certain quick relief medicine is available and used properly
• Observe person to be sure he/she improves
• Let the child‘s emergency contacts know the child experienced breathing difficulties while
engaging in physical activity.
Activity can continue when:
• Wheezing has resolved
• There is no chest tightness
• There is no shortness of breath
• Person is able to speak in complete sentences
• Person is able to freely walk around
Call 911 if the quick relief meds aren’t working and:
• The person’s lips or nail beds are turning blue
• The person is hunched over with shoulders raised, straining to breathe
• The person has difficulty completing a sentence without stopping to breathe