How to Administer First Aid to a Child During an Asthma Attack

Several years ago in one of my frequent visits to my sister in California, I was frightened at the sight of her daughter during an asthma attack. My sister, on the other hand, remained calm, telling me that their doctor assured that although an asthma attack is terrifying, persons seldom die as a direct result, unless an overdose of sedatives is given.

Doctors say that in asthma, there is interference with the passage of air through the membrane-lined tubes which serve the lungs. These tubes (the bronchi) become swollen and congested. There is more difficulty in expelling air from the lungs than in drawing it in.

The typical picture is that of a child, sitting bolt upright in bed with her arms extended at her sides, pressing downward against the bed (this was exactly the condition I found my niece in during that visit). Her skin appears blue because she is not able to breathe the normal amount of air. Her efforts at breathing are accompanied by wheezing. The large veins of the neck are conspicuous, and the heart "pounds" at a rapid rate.

Medical experts warn that when asthma attacks are permitted to repeat, time after time, the patient's general health declines, possibly with permanent damage to lung tissues.

During an asthma attack, prompt first aid and medical advice may be life-saving. Experts suggest the following treatment procedure:

1) For immediate treatment, first try giving the patient a hot drink of milk, postum, or plain hot water. This of itself may relax the tissues in the air passages.

2) Help the victim into a comfortable sitting position; leaning forward supported by the arms helps reduce breathing effort and increases the efficiency of the lungs. Give her frequent reassurance.

3) A steam inhalation accompanied by a hot foot bath may bring relief. If no mechanical vaporizer is available, treatment may be given by conducting steam from a pan of boiling water through a paper cone to the area of the patient's face. Care must be taken not to burn the face or the sensitive membranes of the organs of breathing and to ensure a supply of fresh air.

4) If the victim has medication prescribed to relieve an asthma attack, help her to take it promptly. Often this will be a 'puffer' spray. (If there is no improvement or the attack is getting worse, call for an ambulance immediately.)

5) If an ambulance is required, help the victim while waiting - if necessary - to take four puffs of the 'reliever' medication every four minutes, preferably through a 'spacer' device to ensure that the full dose is inhaled.

6) If the victim collapses, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) may be needed as a life-saving measure until the ambulance arrives.

Medical records reveal that in about half the cases, asthma is caused by the patient's sensitivity to pollens or dust (as was the case of my niece) or to certain foods or drugs. In the remaining half, the asthma seems to result from infections of the organs of breathing, the patient having become sensitive to the products of the germs causing the infection.


Author - Mara Bateman
Bio - Mara Bateman conducts trainings for executives of service-oriented companies. She is a logistics and travel consultant and is a freelance writer. Her interests are writing, lots of reading, housekeeping, cooking, and health care.