If a man with asthma shows no improvement after using his inhaler, what should you do?

When a person with asthma does not show improvement after using their inhaler, the most appropriate action is to alert emergency medical services or activate an emergency action plan. This is crucial because it indicates that the individual's asthma attack is not responding to the medication that is typically used to relieve symptoms.

Asthma can be a life-threatening condition, and progression can occur rapidly. When inhalers do not provide relief, it could suggest that the person's airway continues to constrict, which may require advanced medical assistance. Alerting EMS ensures that trained professionals can assess and manage the situation appropriately, potentially providing necessary interventions such as supplemental oxygen or other medications that aren't available in an inhaler.

Other strategies, such as encouraging repeated use of the inhaler or advising relaxation techniques, may not be effective in this critical time when immediate professional help is needed. Observing for further symptoms without taking action can lead to severe consequences if the individual's condition worsens. Therefore, activating an emergency plan and seeking immediate medical assistance is the safest and most responsible course of action in this scenario.