For those living with asthma, knowing asthma attack first aid measures is essential.
Medically reviewed by Mike Kenneth Go Doratan, MD · General Surgery · The Medical City Ortigas
For those living with asthma, knowing asthma attack first aid measures is essential.
An asthma attack is a worsening effect of asthma symptoms. It happens when the muscles in the air tubes spasm, and the airway linings inflame. Thicker mucus develops in the airway, blocking the inward and outward flow of oxygen.
When air is trapped in the lungs, a person with asthma has trouble breathing, and experiences chest pains. Depending on the severity of the attack, some may occur suddenly or slowly, while others stop for a while, and come back after a few hours with greater effect.
If a person with asthma is having an attack, it is best if the people around are also well-informed about asthma attack first aid. When the asthma attack becomes severe, do not hesitate to seek medical attention.
Before asthma becomes an asthma attack, it starts with a “trigger” or a cause. The common risk factor that sets off an asthma attack is inhaled triggers.
Some of these triggers are:
To perform asthma attack first aid, one must first recognize that there are different signs and symptoms of asthma attacks, according to their severity. For a person with asthma to manage their symptoms, it is best to consult with a doctor and create an action plan.
Some indicators that an asthma attack is about to happen includes:
Someone having a common asthma attack may suffer the following:
Signs that an asthma attack is worsening include the following:
If a person with asthma suffers from severe symptoms, do not hesitate to call a physician and ask for prompt medical attention in addition to performing asthma attack first aid. Severe asthma very rarely can become fatal. In some cases, the person may require immediate hospitalization.
Prevention is better than cure. To prevent asthma attacks from becoming worse, there are steps you have to follow and commit to. You should create an asthma action plan together with your medical provider.
Here are ways to prevent an asthma attack:
Asthma attacks can still happen even if one strictly follows these prevention tips. To keep you ready for asthma attacks, there are first aid procedures and home remedies that you can do or use to manage the situation.
Here are four steps for asthma attack first aid:
When you find yourself at home and asthma kicks in, natural remedies and treatments can help you go through the episode. These include:
Researchers at the University of Munich’s Institute of Medical Balneology and Climatology have found that having steam baths and saunas can help improve asthma symptoms by softening the thick mucus that clings on airways, which can improve breathing. It also helps reduce stress and anxiety that may trigger asthma.
Learning how to properly breathe is a great way to help minimize asthma attacks. Research points to breathing exercises as a way of improving breathing problems, relieving mental stress, and reducing the use of medications.
Breathing Exercises To Reduce Asthma Attacks
Herbs and natural alternatives like garlic, ginger, echinacea and licorice root, turmeric, honey, and omega 3’s. It is always best to consult your doctor before giving these a try.
These are mainly used for their anti-inflammatory properties. Essential oils and other natural alternatives must not be used during emergencies. Check with your medical provider if these are safe for you.
Caffeinated tea and coffee
Theophylline, a chemical found in both asthma medications and caffeine is said to reduce respiratory fatigue, which weakens asthma symptoms.
Asthma attacks must be taken seriously at all times. Knowing asthma attack first aid is essential. Weaker symptoms may become severe in a matter of seconds. Being ready and well informed is the first step to dealing with asthma attacks.
Although there are first aid and home remedies for asthma attacks, having your medications ready and consistently checking up with your doctor will always be the best way to deal with asthma.
Learn more about asthma, here.
Disclaimer
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
People Are Also Reading This
Comments
Share your thoughts
Be the first to let Hello Doctor know your thoughts!
Join Us or Log In to join the discussion