CroupHelp the child to rest in a comfortable position which allows them to breathe easily. Save this page as a PDF Croup is breathing difficulty, more often seen in young children, usually triggered by a viral infection in the upper airways (larynx). The infection causes the throat and upper...
Asthma attackHelp the person to sit in a comfortable position and ask them to use their inhaler. Save this page as a PDF Asthma is a chronic illness of the airways in the lungs. When an attack occurs, the airways in the lungs swell, narrow and produce extra mucus, making it difficult to...
ChokingDislodge the obstruction in the person’s throat so they can breathe. Save this page as a PDF Choking occurs when the airway is partially or completely blocked by a foreign body, such as a piece of food or an object (a magnet or small toy). Choking is also referred to as a foreign body...
Breathing difficultiesHelp the person get into a comfortable position (usually seated). A person with breathing difficulty may complain of tightness in the chest or feeling suffocated; they may have very rapid or noisy breathing, or perhaps struggle to inhale. The most important causes that may...