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First Aid & Emergencies

Call 911 NOW if you are having:

  • Chest Pain
  • Difficulty Breathing
  • Severe Bleeding
  • Sudden Weakness or Numbness
  • A Medical Emergency
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Exercise-Induced Asthma Treatment

Call 911 now if the person:

  • Is struggling to breathe 
  • Has blue lips
  • Is unable to walk or talk
  • Shows other signs of a severe attack

1. Stop Activity

  • Have the person sit down and rest.

2. Follow the Person’s Asthma Plan, if Possible

  • Find out if the person has an individualized asthma action plan from a doctor.
  • If so, follow its directions.

 

3. Give Asthma First Aid

 

4. Resume Activity When Safe

  • Wait until the person can breathe easily and is symptom-free before resuming exercise.
  • If symptoms return when person starts exercise again, repeat treatment and stop exercise for rest of day.

5. Follow Up

  • If symptoms do not improve with treatment, call the person's doctor for advice.

If attack happens at school:

  • Notify school nurse or other designated staff if child does not have asthma medication or symptoms do not go away within five to 10 minutes after using inhaler.
  • Notify the child’s parents.
  • Do not let child leave the gym or play area alone.

 

WebMD Medical Reference

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Reviewed by Andrew Seibert, MD on January 08, 2012
© 2012 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

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