HealthInfo Canterbury
Breathing difficulties
Being short of breath is very frightening. It can range from feeling puffed, to being unable to take a deep breath, gasping for air, or feeling like you aren't getting enough oxygen.
How to help someone who's having difficulty breathing
- Get the person to rest in whatever position is most comfortable for them.
- Loosen any tight clothing.
- Help them to use any prescribed medicine they may have, such as an asthma inhaler or oxygen.
Important!
If their medication doesn't seem to be working and they're not getting better, phone 111 for an ambulance.
If someone is have having difficulty because of one of these problems, follow the instructions on the appropriate page:
If the person becomes unconscious, follow the instructions on the appropriate page:
- not breathing, CPR for adults & children or CPR for babies
- unconscious but breathing.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. December 2016.
SourceReview key: HIFAD-141030
