During an asthma attack, which actions are recommended?

• A. Rescue inhaler, calm breathing, EMS if severe
• B. Sit upright and wait for symptoms to pass
• C. Use a nebulizer only after EMS arrives
• D. Drink water and rest

Answer: (A)

During an asthma attack, the priority is to quickly open the airways and reduce the work of breathing. A rescue inhaler delivers a fast-acting bronchodilator that relaxes the airway muscles, often easing symptoms within minutes. Keeping calm and breathing slowly helps prevent your breathing from spiraling into panic and further tightening. If the attack is severe—you can’t speak in full sentences, you’re extremely short of breath, or you notice blue lips or face—calling emergency services for immediate evaluation and treatment is essential.

Sitting upright helps your lungs expand more fully, so it’s a good position to adopt. Waiting for symptoms to pass without using the rescue inhaler isn’t safe, and delaying EMS can be dangerous. Nebulizers or other treatments may be part of a prescribed plan, but they shouldn’t replace the immediate use of the rescue inhaler during an attack. Drinking water and resting won’t stop the airway narrowing.