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To use asthma first aid with a blue/grey reliever : Step 1: Sit the person upright
Step 2: Give 4 separate puffs of blue/grey reliever puffer
Step 3: Wait 4 minutes
Step 4: If breathing does not return to normal, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance
Learn how to use a puffer and Asthma flare-up or attackAn asthma flare-up is a worsening of asthma symptoms and lung function compared to what you would usually experience day to day. An asthma flare-up can come on slowly (over hours, days or even weeks) or very quickly (over minutes). A sudden or severe asthma flare-up is sometimes called an asthma attack. An asthma attack can quickly become an asthma emergency, but if you take quick action, you can reduce the risk of an asthma emergency. If you or a family member have asthma, make sure you have an updated asthma action plan from your doctor and know the 4 steps of asthma first . Your doctor will: Follow your asthma action plan if the symptoms of an asthma attack appear. Signs that you need to use asthma first aidIf you are experiencing any of the following signs, follow your asthma action plan. If you do not have an asthma action plan, or you are assisting someone who is experiencing an asthma attack, start asthma first aid. Do not wait until asthma is severe. Mild to moderate asthma signs (commence asthma first ):
Severe asthma signs (call triple zero [000] for an ambulance and commence asthma first ):
Life-threatening asthma signs (call triple zero [000] for an ambulance and commence asthma first ):
In asthma emergencies, follow your asthma action plan. Know the 4 steps of asthma first aidIt’s important for everyone in the community to know the 4 steps of asthma first . One of the most common reliever medications in Australia is salbutamol, often known as your ‘blue puffer’. These are available over the counter from a chemist. If you are not sure if someone is having an asthma attack, you can still use blue reliever medication because it is unlikely to cause harm. Call triple zero (000) immediately if:
Other asthma first aid directionsNot everyone with asthma uses the same reliever medication. Some people use a different blue reliever called Bricanyl (terbutaline) which comes in a different type of inhaler called a Turbuhaler. See the asthma first aid steps for those using . Other people use a ‘dual-purpose’ reliever. A dual-purpose reliever contains budesonide and formoterol together, and is used ‘as-needed’. The combination of budesonide and formoterol in the dual-purpose reliever, when used as-needed, relieves symptoms and reduces risk of experiencing serious asthma flare-ups. It does this by relaxing tight airway muscles and treating inflammation in the airways. Note: you may also be prescribed these medicines as a ‘preventer’. Always follow your doctor’s instructions on your asthma action plan about what to use in an asthma flare-up or asthma attack. See the asthma first aid steps for those using DuoResp Spiromax 200/6 or Symbicort Turbuhaler . See the asthma first aid steps for those using Symbicort Rapihaler . Some people may use the same medicine for their reliever and preventer. See the asthma first aid steps using Fostair . Asthma symptoms in a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)People having a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) can also have asthma-like symptoms. If the person has an anaphylaxis action plan, follow the instructions. Always give adrenaline injector first, then asthma reliever if someone with known asthma and allergy to food, insects or medication has sudden breathing difficulty (including wheeze, persistent cough or hoarse voice) even if there are no skin symptoms. In case of an emergency, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance. Thunderstorm asthmaPeople who have asthma or hay fever can get severe asthma symptoms during grass pollen season when high amounts of grass pollen in the air combine with a certain type of thunderstorm. Find our more about thunderstorm . View an accessible version of the video and read the . Where to get helpThis page has been produced in consultation with and approved by: This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by: This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:
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