What Should I Do if My Friend Has an Asthma Flare-Up?
Medically reviewed by: Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD
How can I help if my friend has an asthma flare-up?
An asthma flare-up can be scary, both for the person having it and anyone who sees it happening. A friend who knows how to handle the situation can be a big help.
Here's what to do:
- Stay calm and be reassuring. Help your friend relax. If they panic, it can make it even harder to breathe.
- Take your friend away from any possible asthma triggers, like smoke.
- Have your friend sit upright. Lying down might make breathing more difficult.
- If your friend can talk, ask what their asthma action plan says to do during a flare-up. If your friend is able to tell you, follow the plan.