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teens
What Should I Do if My Friend Has an Asthma Flare-Up?
How can I help if my friend has an asthma flare-up?
An asthma flare-up can be scary, both for the person having it and anyone who sees it happening. A friend who knows how to handle the situation can be a big help.
Here's what to do:
- Stay calm and be reassuring. Help your friend relax. If they panic, it can make it even harder to breathe.
- Take your friend away from any possible asthma triggers, like smoke.
- Have your friend sit upright. Lying down might make breathing more difficult.
- If your friend can talk, ask what their asthma action plan says to do during a flare-up. If your friend is able to tell you, follow the plan.
- If your friend can't speak or doesn't remember what to do, ask if they have an inhaler to use during flare-ups. If so, get the inhaler and help your friend to use it.
- Call 911 if:
- an inhaler is not available
- your friend has trouble talking or struggles to breathe
- your friend's lips are turning blue
- your friend becomes unconscious
- the inhaler doesn't help
Friends can be the first line of defense for someone who is having an asthma flare-up. So it's great that you want to be prepared!
Medically reviewed by: Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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