Bronchial Asthma

The breathing difficulty in asthma is due to inflammation, obstruction and spasm of airways in the lungs. The usual cause is allergy to inhaled dust, pollen, house insects, the hair of pets, air pollution and chemical vapors. Trigger factors include upper respiratory infections like sinusitis, overexertion, stress, smoking, air pollution, medications like aspirin or NSAIDs chemicals in food or cosmetics and cold or dry weather. A cold or flu may worsen into asthmatic attacks. Some women get attacks at certain times in each menstrual cycle.

Known asthmatics are usually provide an inhaler, a device that administers a measured dose of drugs inhaled directly into the lungs, where it will have a near instant effect. Inhalers for prevention are generally brown and inhalers for the relief of attacks are usually blue.

First aid treatment for Bronchial Asthma

• Reassure the casualty as this will have a positive effect on his breathing
• Help the casualty into a sitting position, leaning slightly forwards. As most people with asthma find this an easier position for breathing.
• If the casualty has medication, enable him to use it. Inhalers are the main form of treatment and are generally blue.