Asthma and Airway Centre

Managing Asthma

An Emergency Management Plan

• If you experience sudden severe asthma that does not respond to your medications, DO NOT DELAY -- go to the nearest hospital, preferable by ambulance.

• Take 2 - 3 puffs of your inhaled bronchodilator (relief inhaler) every 10 - 15 minutes ON YOUR WAY TO THE HOSPITAL. You should receive individual instructions from your doctor.
  
  It may be helpful if you can sit upright and try to get control of your breathing by taking slow deep breaths and avoid panicking.

• ON ARRIVAL AT THE HOSPITAL state clearly that you have ASTHMA AND REQUIRE HELP IMMEDIATELY. Take all present medications and your written action plan with you to the hospital. This will save a lot of time answering unnecessary questions.