Manage an Asthma Attack
Difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath are all symptoms of an asthma attack. An attack is caused when the muscles around your airways tighten. At the same time, the lining of the airways swells and produces thick mucus. Symptoms sometime worsen even when you use your medication and this can cause panic. But stay calm and you can manage your asthma attacks and bring them under control.
Instructions
Short Term
1. Stay calm. Giving in to your fear only causes the attack to worsen. Managing your attack depends you staying calm.
2. Use your inhaler. Shake the inhaler, breathe out, breathe in while pushing down on the inhaler, then hold your breath for 10 seconds. Breathe out slowly again.
3. Take a second puff if you need one. Wait two to five seconds after the first puff, then take the second. This should help manage the attack.
4. Keep a journal. Keep track of what causes your asthma attacks. Then visit your doctor and discuss ways to manage your attacks.
Long Term
5. Clean house. Dust and vacuum frequently to keep the amount of dust in your home at a minimum. Have your air ducts and vents cleaned to further cut down on dust that can trigger asthma attacks.
6. Go shopping. If necessary, replace your pillows and mattress with new non-allergenic ones.
7. Drink plenty of water, unless your liquid intake has been restricted by your doctor. Generous fluid intake can help thin the sputum your body produces during an asthma attack.
8. Quit smoking. Smoking harms the lungs and can trigger asthma attacks. Ask for help if you have trouble quitting.
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