IF YOU START TO HAVE BREATHING PROBLEMS:

• Stop all activity.
• If possible, remove yourself from exposure to the trigger.
• Sit in a relaxed position.
• Take your rescue medication (blue puffer).
• Repeat your rescue medication if you do not start to feel relief within 10 minutes.
• If you have come in contact with one of your allergy triggers, take a shower or bath when feeling better.
• If you do not feel relief from your blue puffer, you need to take action RIGHT NOW.
  • Ask another adult or neighbour to drive you to the nearest emergency room, or call an ambulance.
  • Use your blue puffer on the way to the hospital as much as needed.

What can I expect when I arrive at the hospital?

You will be given medications that will help open your airways so you can breathe easier. Hospital staff may ask you questions about your asthma, including how much rescue medication (blue puffer) you have taken on the way to the hospital.

In the emergency room:

• your pulse and blood pressure will be taken
• oxygen may be given using a mask
• an attachment may be placed on one of your fingers to measure the oxygen content of your blood
• an IV may be started to give you medication that will help open your airways.

What happens after I go home from the emergency room?

Within 48-72 hours of visiting the emergency room, you should call your doctor for an appointment. You will need to review the reason why you ended up in the emergency room so that you can prevent it from happening again.

Your doctor may want you to see a certified respiratory educator to help you regain control of your asthma. Be sure to tell your doctor if any medications were changed at the hospital. Ask how long you should take the additional medication before returning to your usual asthma medications.

Steps that you can take to prevent having an asthma attack:

• Take your medications as prescribed by your doctor.
• Avoid your triggers.
• Follow your written asthma action plan. Your asthma action plan tells you:
  • What symptoms you should watch for
  • What your symptoms mean
  • How to adjust your medication according to your symptoms
  • When to call the doctor or 911.
• Make sure you understand your asthma. If you have any questions, ask your doctor. You can also talk about your action plan with a Certified Asthma Educator or Certified Respiratory Educator, a healthcare professional with special training in asthma management.