What should you know about magnesium sulphate for an asthma exacerbation?

During a serious asthma exacerbation, narrowed airways can make breathing difficult and reduce the movement of air. Emergency clinicians may consider magnesium sulphate as an additional treatment when inhaled relievers and other initial measures have not produced enough improvement. It is not a replacement for a reliever inhaler, steroids, oxygen or other care chosen by the emergency team. The decision depends on your examination and response to treatment.

Follow your written asthma action plan if you have one and use your prescribed reliever as directed. Sit upright, loosen tight clothing and seek urgent help if symptoms are severe or worsening. Tell the team about pregnancy, kidney problems, medicines and previous reactions. Do not wait for magnesium sulphate to become available, and do not attempt to administer a hospital preparation yourself.

Call emergency services if you cannot speak in full sentences, your lips look blue or grey, you are exhausted or confused, breathing is rapidly worsening, or your reliever is not helping. A silent chest, collapse or severe drowsiness is also an emergency. Keep taking only the medicines in your action plan while waiting for help and avoid lying flat.

Ask what made the flare severe, which treatments were given, whether magnesium sulphate was considered, how to recognise your personal warning signs, and how your preventer and action plan should be updated after recovery.