If a person has an asthma attack or you suspect they are having an attack, you should take immediate action.
![Woman having difficulty breathing](https://www.asthma.ie/sites/default/files/styles/latest_news_full/public/images/what-we-do/2018/Jun/Blonde%20woman%20having%20breathing%20difficulties.jpg?itok=XvSRh-YV)
Asthma attacks can be frightening and dangerous experiences. They can happen when symptoms get worse over a number of days or hours or can happen suddenly, even when someone is taking their medication and avoiding their triggers.
If a person has an asthma attack or you suspect they are having an attack, you should take immediate action.
![Boy taking inhaler during sports](https://www.asthma.ie/sites/default/files/styles/building_block_image/public/images/paragraphs/image/2018/Jun/Coach%20with%20boy%20taking%20inhaler%20on%20sports%20pitch.jpg?itok=SXCQsDKv)
If you think you're having and asthma attack:
Follow the 5 Step Rule
This is an emergency - act now.
1. Stay calm. Sit up straight - do not lie down.
2. Take slow steady breaths.
3. Take one puff of your reliever inhaler (usually blue) every minute.
Use a spacer if available.
People over 6 years can take up to 10 puffs in 10 minutes.
Children under 6 can take up to 6 puffs in 10 minutes.
4. Call 112 or 999 if your symptoms do not improve after 10 minutes.
5 Repeat step 3 if an ambulance has not arrived in 10 minutes.
Remember if someone is having an asthma attack:
Do not leave them on their own.
Extra puffs of reliever inhaler (usually blue) are safe.
![](https://www.asthma.ie/sites/default/files/styles/building_block_image/public/images/paragraphs/image/2023/Sep/5%20Step%20Rule.jpg?itok=zcD_9RfP)
How do I know if it’s an Asthma Attack?
If someone is having an asthma attack they will have one or a combination of any of the symptoms below:
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Cough
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Wheeze
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Shortness of breath
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Chest tightness
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Too breathless to finish a sentence
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Too breathless to walk, sleep or eat
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Lips turning blue.