What Happens in an Asthma Attack?

• There is increased swelling and mucous in the airways.
  
  
• Muscles around the airways tighten and decrease the flow of air.
  
  
• Asthma symptoms (cough, wheeze or whistling noise, shortness of breath, chest tightness) get worse.
  
  

How Do I Know My Child's Asthma is Worse?

• Increased use of the reliever medicine.* If your child needs the reliever every four hours call your doctor.
  
  
• Wheezing may be heard when your child breathes. In a bad asthma attack, there may be no noise heard at all because the airways are so blocked.
  
  
• As your child breathes in, the skin may be tugged at his/her throat, collarbone, or between or under the ribs. This is called "indrawing."
  
  
• During an asthma attack, your child may become short of breath, have difficulty talking, exercising or eating. You may also notice that your child is breathing much faster than normal.
  
  

What Do I Do?

• STAY CALM.
  
  
• Have a written Action Plan from your doctor. Follow it as soon as you notice your child's asthma getting worse.
  
  
• Know your child's asthma medicine. Start by giving the reliever medicine.* It should help within a few minutes. If the reliever medicine is needed more than every four hours, talk to your doctor.
  
  
• Help your child to relax. Breathing exercises may help older children. They must be learned and practiced when your child is well.
  
  
• If there is an obvious trigger that has started the attack, move your child away.
  
  
• IF IN DOUBT, GO TO THE NEAREST EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT!
  
  

When Do I Go to the Emergency Department?

• If your child's lips or fingertips turn blue.
  
  
• If your child cannot complete a full sentence.
  
  
• If your child is not improving within 10 minutes of using the reliever medicine.*
  
  
• If peak flow reading drops below 60% of your child's personal best.
  
  
• If your child needs their reliever medicine more than every 3 hours, go to the Emergency Department.
  
  
• If your medicine is not working.
  
  * Reliever medicine examples include: Ventolin®, Bricanyl®, Airomir®, salbutamol
  
  

What Can I Do to Prevent an Asthma Attack?

• Take an active part in your child's asthma.
  
  
• Know your child's asthma medicines and how to use them.
  
  
• Know your child's asthma triggers and avoid them.
  
  
• Recognize early warning signs (colds, need for reliever medicine more than 3 times a week or waking at night due to asthma).
  
  
• Have your doctor complete an Action Plan and know how to use it.
  
  
• See your doctor to review your asthma Action Plan once or twice a year.
  
  
• You and your child should learn as much as you can about asthma.