Going home after your visit
After an asthma attack
How to look after your asthma at home, and the warning signs to act on.
You (or your child) have been treated for an asthma attack and are well enough to go home. Asthma can flare up again, so please follow your inhaler plan and the advice below, and keep this leaflet handy.
Your care details
To be completed by the team before you leave.
this Emergency Department your nearest A&E other:
none needed
Call 999 now if any of these happen
These mean the asthma attack is getting dangerous and needs help straight away.
- Your reliever inhaler is not helping, or wears off quickly
- Too breathless to speak, eat or sleep
- Breathing hard and fast, or your chest feels very tight
- Lips or fingertips look blue or grey
- A child's tummy or ribs suck in with each breath
- A child goes quiet, floppy or drowsy
CALL 999 Do not be afraid to call 999 — that is what it is there for.
Caring for your asthma
- Take your preventer inhaler every day as prescribed, even when you feel well.
- Use your blue reliever inhaler when you have symptoms, with a spacer if you have one.
- Finish any steroid tablets you were given, even if you feel better.
- Avoid your triggers. Do not smoke or vape, and keep your child away from smoke.
- Book an asthma review with your GP within 2 working days (the next day for a child).
If your asthma flares up
- Sit up straight and try to stay calm.
- Take your reliever inhaler through a spacer: 1 puff every 30–60 seconds, up to 10 puffs.
- If it does not help, or you need it again within 4 hours, get urgent help.
- If you feel worse, or are no better after 10 puffs, call 999.
Where to get help
999
Life-threatening emergency, or a red-flag symptom above
111
Urgent but not life-threatening, or you're not sure — call or visit 111.nhs.uk, 24/7
Your team
Use the department phone in Your care details above