Asthma Attack

The information below gives you the key steps to helping a child having an asthma attack.


 

Step 1

Help the baby or child to sit in a comfortable position and take their medication.

When a baby or child has an asthma attack, the muscles in the airways narrow, making it difficult for them to breathe. Using an inhaler relaxes the muscles, allowing the air passages to expand and ease their breathing.

Step 2

Reassure the baby or child. If the attack becomes severe, or they don't have their medication, call 999.

A mild attack should ease within a few minutes. If it doesn’t, or their inhaler has no effect, call 999. Do not leave the baby or child, in case the attack becomes severe quickly.