Asthma can be caused by inflammation and obstruction of the bronchial tubes.According to the American Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology, in 2009, one in 12 people in the United States had a diagnosis of asthma, compared to 14 in 2001.The muscles around the bronchial tubes tighten and swell during an asthma attack, narrowing the air passages and making it difficult for the person to breathe.Exposure to grass, tress, pollen, and other allergens can be a common cause of asthma attacks.), irritant in the air (such as smoke or strong smells), illnesses, stress, extreme weather conditions, or physical exertion and exercise.Knowing what to do when you have an asthma attack can help save a life.
Step 1: There are early symptoms of an asthma attack.
People with chronic asthma need to use their asthma medication to control their symptoms.An attack results in more severe symptoms which require immediate attention.Dark circles under the eyes are one of the early symptoms that an attack may be imminent.
Step 2: Understand the start of an asthma attack.
An asthma attack can lead to a life-threatening situation.If you know how to identify an asthma attack, you can start treatment as soon as possible.Wheezing or whistling while breathing is the most common symptom of an asthma attack.When a person is breathing out they can sometimes also be heard when they areinhaling.A person is coughing.Some sufferers may cough to clear their airway and get more oxygen into their lungs.This may be worse at night.Shortness of breath.People with asthma will complain of being short of breath.They might be breathing in short shallow breaths that are quicker than normal.There is chest tightness.Attacks often include a feeling that the chest feels tight or that there is pain on the left or right side.PEF readings are low.If the person uses a peak flow meter, a small device that measures the maximum speed of expiration in order to monitor a person's ability to exhale air, this is indicative of an asthma flare-up.
Step 3: There are symptoms of asthma in a child.
Children will often have the same symptoms as adults with asthma, such as wheezing or whistling when breathing, and chest tightness or pain.Children have fast breathing during asthma attacks.There aretractions where you can see their neck pulling, belly breathing, or their ribs when they breathe.A chronic cough can be the only symptom of an asthma attack in some children.In some cases, symptoms of asthma in children are limited to coughing or when they are sleeping.
Step 4: The situation should be evaluated.
If emergency medical attention is needed and what treatment should be done at the scene, you should assess what is happening.If you have mild symptoms, you may be able to use your medication immediately.Emergency medical personnel should see those in greater distress.If there is a severe asthma attack, call or have someone nearby call emergency medical services.People with asthma who need their medication but don't need immediate medical attention may be coughing to clear their airway and get more air if they are able to talk and walk.
Step 5: There is an action plan in place.
If you are diagnosed with asthma, you should create an asthma action plan with your doctor.When faced with an acute attack, this plan is a step-by-step process of what to do.If you have to go to the hospital, the plan should include emergency phone numbers and those of your family and friends.When you get the diagnosis, consult with your doctor to identify your particular symptoms of worsening asthma and what you should do when they flare up.Take medication and go to the emergency room.Make sure you know how to use your rescue inhalers.Keep this plan with you all the time.
Step 6: If you have an asthma attack, avoid it.
Prevention of symptoms is the best way to treat asthma.If you know what causes your asthma attacks, try to avoid them when possible.
Step 7: You can get the inhaler from your doctor.
There are two different types of rescue medications that you may have been prescribed by your doctor.The most common inhalers are MDIs.Asthma medication is delivered through a small aerosol canister with a chemical propellant that pushes the medication into the lungs.An MDI can be used alone or with a breathing chamber that separates your mouth from the inhaler, and which can allow you to breathe normally to receive the medication and help it get into the lungs more efficiently.Dry powder asthma rescue medication can be delivered without propellant.The brand names of the medications are Flovent, Serevent, or Advair.It's difficult to use a DPI during an asthma attack because they require you to breathe in quickly and deeply.They are less popular than the standard MDIs.If you have been prescribed, make sure you always carry it with you.
Step 8: Use a MDI.
You only want to use an MDI filled with the rescue medication, bronchodilators, if you suffer an asthma attack.If you want to mix the medication in the canister, shake the inhaler for five seconds.Push as much air out of the lungs as you can before using the inhaler.Seal your lips around the air chamber or the end of the inhaler by lifting your chin.You would breathe normally and slowly in the air chamber to get the medication.Press the inhaler once if you start to breathe in.If you can't get in any more air, keep breathing.Allow at least one minute between uses if you hold your breath for 10 seconds.Follow the instructions on your asthma plan.
Step 9: A DPI is used.
It's important to read the instructions before using DPIs because they vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.As much air as possible.Seal your lips and breathe strongly until your lungs are full.For 10 seconds, hold your breath.Take the DPI out of your mouth and exhale slowly.After one minute has passed, repeat if more than one dose is prescribed.
Step 10: There is an asthma emergency.
If your asthma symptoms get worse even after you take your medication, you may need to get emergency medical assistance.You should call emergency services if you can.If you can't speak clearly and your breathing is labored, you may need someone to call for you, such as a friend or family member.The local number for emergency services should be included in the action plan.When you enter an emergency situation, your doctor will help you identify when your symptoms are getting more severe so that you can get help.If you don't get relief from your rescue inhaler in a few minutes, call your local emergency number.
Step 11: Rest while waiting for emergency personnel.
Emergency personnel are coming to your aid, so sit and rest.The "tripod" position that asthmatics find helpful is leaning forward with their hands on their knees.Stay calm.Increasing your symptoms can be caused by becoming anxious.Ask someone in the vicinity to sit with you while you wait for help.
Step 12: The individual should be helped to find a comfortable position.
People with asthma will be more comfortable sitting.Lung expansion and ease of breathing can be aided by keeping the person upright.Allow the person to lean forward onto you or a chair.Some asthmatics can sit in a "tripod" position by leaning forward with their hands on their knees.Asthma is not triggered by anxiety.The individual will respond more quickly when he is calm.Air passes through the nose and mouth to the lungs when cortisol is released in the body.Staying calm and reassuring can assist the person in maintaining calm.
Step 13: Ask if you have asthma.
Even if the person can't say "hello" due to coughing or wheezing, he can nod or gesture towards his inhaler.Do you know if the person has a written asthma emergency action plan?Many people who are prepared for asthma attacks have a written emergency plan with them.If the person has one, help him follow the plan by taking it out.
Step 14: In the immediate area, remove all knowntriggers.
Triggers or allergens can make asthma worse.If something in the immediate area is triggering an attack, it's a good idea to ask the individual if the person is communicating a response, or if they are not.Animals have high humidity or cold weather.
Step 15: Inform the person that you're looking for something.
This will assure the person that you are working with him and not against him.Men and women may keep their inhalers in a pocket.A clear plastic tube called a spacer can be used by some asthmatics.The medicine is easier to inhale if it is delivered with less force.Children and elderly people who suffer frequent asthma attacks may carry nebulizers, which deliver asthma medication through a mask.They are easy to use because the patient breathes normally and are ideal for the young and old, but are somewhat bulkier than the MDIs and require electricity to work.If the person is an asthma patient, call emergency medical services if they don't have an inhaler.There is a serious risk of death for people suffering from asthma attacks.
Step 16: Prepare the person to take their medication.
Lift the person's upper body back if he has his head down.Attach the MDI to the inhaler after shaking.The cap needs to be removed from the mouth.If necessary, tilt the person's head back.Before using the inhaler, make the asthmatic exhale as much as possible.The person can administer his own medication.Inhaler dosages must be timed so asthmatics can control the process.If necessary, help the person with his lips.Between puffs, most asthmatics will pause for a minute or two.
Step 17: You can call the emergency services.
The asthmatic should be monitored until paramedics arrive.It is best if a healthcare professional can assess the person, even if the asthmatic seems to get better after using their inhaler.After being informed of his health status, the person can decide not to go to the hospital.Even if the asthma attack does not decrease in severity, the medication will help keep it from worsening by relaxing the airways.
Step 18: You can call for emergency services.
It's important to call your local emergency phone number if you don't have an inhaler.While waiting for emergency services, there are other steps you can take.When you're on the phone with emergency services, you should always ask what they tell you.
Step 19: There is a hot shower.
The steam from a hot shower or bath can make the bathroom into a good recovery zone.
Step 20: Practice breathing exercises.
When there is an asthma attack, many people get anxious and panic and this can increase breathing.panicking makes asthma attacks worse because it restricts the amount of oxygen that the lungs get.Slow, conscious breathing is what you should try to do.For a count of four and six, breathe in through your nose.Pursing your lips is a good way to exhale.Slowing your exhales can help keep the airway open.
Step 21: You can find a drink with coffee.
A small amount of coffee or soda can help relax the airway and reduce respiratory problems.The drug in question is called theophylline, and it can be used to treat asthma.Coffee and tea may not have enough theophylline to counteract asthma attacks.
Step 22: Common household drugs can be used.
In the case of an asthma attack, certain drugs may help, but they should never be taken in lieu of emergency assistance.If you or the asthmatic think an allergy has triggered the reaction, give a fast-acting antihistamine.On a day with a high pollen index, this may be the case.Antihistamines include: Claritin, Allegra, Benadryl, and Chlor-Trimeton.Natural antihistamines include Echinacea, ginger, chamomile, and saffron.The effect of antihistamines in general is likely to be minimal if you can find any teas that contain these ingredients.Some people are allergic to natural herbs and supplements..Sudafed is an over-the-counter pseudoephedrine.When there is an asthma attack, sudafed can help open the bronchioles because it is a nasal decongestant.It's best to break the pill down with a mortar and pestle and drink warm water or tea before administering to reduce the risk of choking.It can take up to 30 minutes to be effective.The heart rate and blood pressure can be increased by pseudoephedrine.