What to do in an asthma attack

Sometimes symptoms are mild and all that is needed is a puff or two of a reliever inhaler (see below for how to use a spacer which makes this easier to do with a small child). At other times symptoms are more severe and more urgent action is needed. * Give the child their reliever immediately, preferably in a spacer * Stay calm and reassure the child * Do not put your arms round the child - this can be constricting * Help the child to breathe by sitting in an upright position. Encourage the child to breathe slowly and...