Asthma Attack First Aid Philippines: What to Do, Warning Signs, and Common Triggers
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During an asthma attack: sit the person upright, keep them calm, and give their reliever inhaler exactly as their asthma action plan says. If breathing does not improve within minutes, or they cannot speak in full sentences or their lips turn bluish, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
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Inaatake ng hika? Knowing what to do in the first few minutes matters. This guide covers first aid, the warning signs that mean emergency care, and the common triggers — sanhi ng hika — in Filipino homes.
Last updated: 17 September 2026 · BeHealthy Philippines · Sources: Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) patient guidance; Philippine national emergency hotline 911
Signs of an Asthma Attack
A whistling sound when breathing out.
Often worse at night or early morning.
A feeling of pressure or a band around the chest.
Hard to breathe out fully; breathing is fast and shallow.
First Aid: What to Do
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Sit the person upright and lean slightly forward. Do not let them lie down. |
| 2 | Stay calm and help them breathe slowly. Loosen tight clothing. |
| 3 | Give their reliever inhaler (usually salbutamol) exactly as their asthma action plan or doctor directs, with a spacer if they have one. |
| 4 | If their doctor prescribed nebulized medicine for home, use the nebulizer as directed. |
| 5 | If there is no improvement within minutes, or symptoms worsen, call 911 or go to the emergency room. Keep giving the reliever as the action plan allows while waiting. |
Get emergency help immediately if the person: cannot speak in full sentences, has bluish lips or fingernails, is drowsy or confused, has skin pulling in between the ribs or at the neck (common in children), or their reliever is not helping. Call 911.
Common Triggers (Sanhi ng Hika)
| Trigger | Examples in Filipino homes |
|---|---|
| Allergens | Dust mites in beddings and stuffed toys, cockroaches, pet hair, mold |
| Smoke | Cigarettes, vapes, burning trash or leaves, kitchen smoke |
| Infections | Colds, flu and other respiratory infections |
| Weather and air | Sudden weather changes, cold aircon air, polluted air |
| Strong smells | Perfume, insect spray, cleaning chemicals, essential oils |
| Exercise | Especially in cold or dry air, if asthma is not well controlled |
Preventing Attacks
A written plan from your doctor says which medicines to take and when to seek help.
Daily controller inhalers reduce attacks even when you feel fine.
Wash beddings weekly in hot water and keep the home smoke-free.
At home, in school bags and at work. Check the expiry date.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Sit upright, stay calm, and take your reliever inhaler exactly as your asthma action plan directs. If breathing does not improve within minutes or gets worse, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Trouble speaking in full sentences, bluish lips or fingernails, drowsiness or confusion, skin pulling in between the ribs, or a reliever inhaler that is not helping. These need emergency care right away.
Common triggers include dust mites, cockroaches, pet hair, mold, cigarette and trash smoke, colds and flu, sudden weather changes, cold air, strong smells and exercise when asthma is not well controlled.
Sit upright, move away from the trigger, breathe slowly and call 911 or go to the emergency room. Home remedies are not a substitute for reliever medicine during an attack.
Both can deliver reliever medicine. An inhaler with a spacer works well for most people and is faster to use, while a nebulizer helps young children and people who cannot use an inhaler properly. Use whichever your doctor has prescribed.
Asthma cannot be cured, but it can usually be well controlled with the right daily medicine, an action plan and avoiding triggers, so most people live normal, active lives.