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Scenario: Davey, 45 years old, is anxious. He is gasping for air and his breathing sounds wheezy. He whispers through his bluish-white lips: 'I've got me asthma back again and I think this ventolin 'as 'ad it'...(gasp...gasp)...don't know if ya can help...can't breathe...can ya help me...please?'
Asthma is potentially life threatening and Davey has serious signs of it. After reassuring him, obtain basic details, such as if any prescribed medication has been used. Regardless of the answer, give several puffs from a Ventolin® or Bricanyl® inhaler. Ventolin®'s effectiveness is increased by using either a 'spacer' device or a 'nebuliser' pump. The sufferer, the ambulance service or a doctor can explain how to use these devices if necessary. Many asthmatics require regular steroid medication which is either inhaled (Becotide®, Pulmicort®), or in serious cases, taken orally as a tablet. Unauthorised cessation of such medication may cause an asthmatic attack. If improvement is not rapid (within minutes) contact the ambulance service (on '000') or seek urgent medical advice. See 'Medications: Asthma' for a detailed discussion of anti-asthmatic medications.