Sta avendo una crisi asmatica grave!

He/she is having a severe asthma attack!

Pronunciation

as-MA-ti-ka — four syllables, stress on second. 'Crisi' — KRI-zi.

When to use it

Report severe asthma attack to 118. If the person has a reliever inhaler ('broncodilatatore'), use it first. Then call if no improvement.

What it means

'Crisi asmatica' = asthma attack. 'Grave' = severe. Signs of severe attack: unable to speak in full sentences, blue lips ('labbra blu'), very fast breathing, not responding to inhaler. In an attack, sit the person upright and forward-leaning. Italian emergency rooms can administer nebulised bronchodilators immediately.

Variations

Ha usato il broncodilatatore ma non migliora.

He used the reliever inhaler but is not improving.

Reliever failure = severe attack requiring emergency treatment

Ha le labbra blu e non riesce a parlare.

His lips are blue and he cannot speak.

Cyanosis and inability to speak = life-threatening severity

È asmatico. Ha sempre l'inalatore con sé.

He is asthmatic. He always has his inhaler with him.

Background information for the dispatcher

Mini Dialogue

— Pronto! Sta avendo una crisi asmatica grave! Non respira quasi! — Ha l'inalatore? — Sì, l'ha già usato due volte. Non basta! — La faccia sedere dritta, piegata leggermente in avanti. Non sdraiarla. — Ok! — Ambulanza in arrivo. Rimanga in linea. Se perde coscienza, mi dica subito.

— Hello! He is having a severe asthma attack! He is barely breathing! — Does he have an inhaler? — Yes, he has already used it twice. It is not enough! — Sit him up straight, leaning slightly forward. Do not lay him down. — OK! — Ambulance on the way. Stay on the line. If he loses consciousness, tell me immediately.

Cultural Note

Italy has about 3 million asthma sufferers. Italian asthma management follows GINA (Global Initiative for Asthma) guidelines. Reliever inhalers ('broncodilatatori a rapida azione') like salbutamol ('Ventolin') require a prescription in Italy. 'Pronto soccorso' for asthma typically involves nebulised salbutamol, ipratropium, and systemic corticosteroids. Severe asthma ('status asthmaticus') may require ICU admission.

← Previous

C'è qualcuno che si sta facendo del male.

È una donna incinta in travaglio!

← All phrases: Calling Ambulance