Asthma is a chronic lung condition that affects millions worldwide, including more than 2 million Australians and up to 16% of children. It is a condition where the airways become inflamed and narrow, making breathing difficult. Recognising what asthma is, its causes, symptoms, and how to manage it is crucial not only for those diagnosed but also for family, friends, and carers.
If you or someone you care for lives with asthma, knowing the steps of asthma first aid can save lives. At CPR First Aid, we provide nationally recognised training courses, including asthma first aid courses in Australia, to help you prepare for emergencies.
What Causes Asthma?
Asthma develops when the airways (bronchioles) become overly sensitive and react strongly to various stimuli. While the exact cause remains uncertain, research points to a mix of genetic and environmental factors.
Genetic Factors
Some people inherit a predisposition to asthma. Children with parents who have asthma, eczema, or other allergies are at greater risk of developing the condition.
Environmental Triggers
Asthma is often worsened by environmental factors. Common triggers include:
- Viral respiratory infections
- Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, moulds, and animal dander
- Cigarette smoke, bushfire smoke, perfumes, and other irritants
- Medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and beta-blockers
- Certain foods (nuts, seafood, food additives like sulphites or MSG)
- Changes in weather or exposure to cool air
- Exercise or strong emotions
Common Asthma Symptoms
Asthma symptoms vary from person to person and may change over time. Some people only experience occasional mild wheezing, while others live with frequent, persistent symptoms that interfere with daily life. Recognising the early warning signs is vital for timely treatment and prevention of severe attacks. The most common include:
Wheezing & Chest Tightness
A high-pitched whistling sound when breathing is one of the most recognisable asthma symptoms. This wheezing occurs because narrowed airways make it harder for air to pass in and out of the lungs. Along with wheezing, many people feel a sensation of tightness or pressure in the chest, which may worsen during exercise, exposure to triggers, or at night. In children, wheezing may be more noticeable during play or after physical activity. Chest tightness can also cause anxiety, which in turn makes breathing even more difficult.
Coughing & Shortness of Breath
Persistent coughing is another hallmark of asthma. This cough often worsens at night, early in the morning, or after physical exertion, disrupting sleep and daily activities. Unlike a typical cough, an asthma cough is usually dry and linked to airway irritation rather than infection.
Shortness of breath ranges from mild difficulty catching your breath to a severe inability to speak or move without gasping. During a moderate to severe asthma attack, people may struggle to speak in full sentences, and breathing becomes laboured and rapid. Left untreated, this can escalate into a medical emergency.
Other possible symptoms include fatigue (from struggling to breathe), anxiety, and a feeling of not being able to get enough air. For children, signs may be more subtle, such as refusing to eat, becoming unusually quiet, or appearing restless during the night.
How Asthma Affects Your Airways
When asking “what is asthma?”, it’s important to understand how it impacts the airways.
The Asthma Attack Explained
During an asthma episode, the following changes occur:
- Muscle spasm – muscles around the bronchioles tighten.
- Inflammation – the lining of the airway swells.
- Excess mucus – the bronchioles produce more mucus than usual.
This combination causes narrowing of the airways, leading to wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, rapid breathing, and sometimes severe distress.
Managing Asthma
Treatment focuses on reducing airway inflammation and preventing bronchoconstriction.
Rescue vs Controller Medications
- Rescue inhalers (relievers) such as salbutamol (Ventolin, Airomir, Asmol, Bricanyl) provide quick relief during an asthma attack by relaxing the muscles around the airways. These are usually blue or grey puffers.
- Controller medications such as inhaled corticosteroids are taken daily to reduce airway inflammation and prevent frequent attacks.
Lifestyle & Trigger Avoidance
- Identify and avoid known triggers such as smoke, allergens, and strong fragrances.
- Maintain an asthma action plan created with your doctor.
- Take medications as prescribed to keep symptoms under control.
- Keep reliever medication accessible at all times.
Asthma First Aid Essentials
Knowing asthma first aid can make a critical difference during an attack. The recommended approach is the 4 x 4 x 4 method:
- Sit the person upright and reassure them.
- Shake the blue reliever puffer and give four separate puffs via a spacer, asking the person to take four breaths for each puff.
- Wait 4 minutes.
- If there is no improvement, repeat the process.
- If still no improvement, call 000 immediately and continue steps until help arrives.
When to Seek Emergency Help
Call 000 if the person:
- Cannot speak more than a few words
- Has lips turning blue
- Becomes exhausted, confused, or unresponsive
- Shows no improvement after reliever medication
If they become unconscious and stop breathing, start CPR immediately. Our CPR training course equips you to provide chest compressions and rescue breaths while awaiting professional help. Avoid lying the person flat; instead, keep them sitting upright.
FAQs
What triggers an asthma attack?
Common triggers include allergens, smoke, infections, exercise, and weather changes. Each person’s asthma is different.
Can asthma be cured?
Asthma cannot be cured, but with proper management and medication, most people live healthy and active lives.
How often should inhalers be used?
Rescue inhalers should only be used when symptoms appear, while controller medications are taken daily as prescribed. Always follow your doctor’s guidance.
Conclusion & Next Steps
Asthma is a lifelong condition, but with the right knowledge, medication, and preparedness, its impact can be controlled. Recognising symptoms, knowing what to do in an asthma attack, and having an asthma action plan can save lives.
To build your skills and confidence, enrol in a CPR First Aid training course or our dedicated asthma first aid course in Australia. Preparing today could make all the difference in an emergency tomorrow.