First Aid for Difficulty Breathing
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First Aid for Difficulty Breathing

Open the airway, help breathing, and treat as urgent if severe.

Steps

  1. Step 1. Call emergency services immediately if breathing is very hard, fast, noisy (stridor/wheezing) or the person looks blue.
  2. Step 2. Sit the person upright and keep them calm; loosen tight clothing.
  3. Step 3. If the person is choking (cannot speak/cough/breathe), start choking first aid (back blows/abdominal thrusts as appropriate).
  4. Step 4. If you know they have prescribed inhalers for asthma, help them use their inhaler as directed on the label (no guessing dosing).
  5. Step 5. If they become unconscious or stop breathing, start CPR and follow emergency instructions.
  6. Step 6. Keep monitoring breathing until help arrives and seek hospital care even if symptoms improve.

This information does not replace professional medical care. Please seek emergency help when needed.