How should crew respond to a passenger with acute asthma symptoms if an inhaler is available?

• A. Remove from cabin and sit down.
• B. Administer oxygen only.
• C. Encourage the passenger to rest and drink water.
• D. Assist with inhaler if available, encourage slow steady breaths, and obtain medical advice; monitor for deterioration.

Answer: (D)

When a passenger has acute asthma symptoms and a rescue inhaler is available, the best approach is to assist with using the inhaler, encourage slow, steady breaths, obtain medical advice, and monitor for worsening. The inhaler delivers a quick-acting bronchodilator that relaxes the airway muscles and opens the airways within minutes, which is crucial in flight where access to care is limited. Help with proper technique and, if possible, use a spacer to improve delivery. Encourage the passenger to breathe slowly and calmly to maximize relief and reduce hyperventilation. Seek medical guidance from on-board medical support or ground-based professionals, and keep a close watch for any signs of deterioration—if symptoms persist or worsen, be prepared to provide oxygen and escalate to emergency care. Rest or drinking water don’t address the underlying bronchoconstriction, and oxygen alone may be helpful but isn’t a substitute for the inhaler when relief is needed.