An asthma attack is a sudden worsening of asthma symptoms that can include shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing, and wheezing. It can vary in severity, and some may require emergency medical treatment. Although asthma attacks can be frightening, there are things you can do to prevent them and manage them effectively if they do occur. With proper asthma management, you can live a healthy, active life.
If you have asthma, be sure to work with your doctor to develop a comprehensive asthma management plan. This plan should include information on what to do in the event of an asthma attack, as well as strategies for preventing asthma attacks in the first place. With the right tools and knowledge, you can stay in control of your asthma and avoid asthma attacks altogether.
Surviving An Asthma Attack
- Seek medical help
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of an asthma attack, it is important to seek medical help immediately. The symptoms of an asthma attack include shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, and tightness in the chest. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room.
Asthma attacks can be very dangerous, and it is important to get medical help as soon as possible. Early treatment can often help to prevent the symptoms from getting worse and potentially save lives.
- Sit upright
When you have an asthma attack, it is important to sit up straight. This will help you breathe more deeply and slowly. It will also help to open up your airways so that more air can get in. If you can, try to relax your muscles and take long, deep breaths.
If you start to feel panicky, try to focus on something else and distract yourself. Remember that asthma attacks are not dangerous and they will eventually end. Just focus on breathing slowly and evenly until the attack passes.
- Keep yourself calm
If you have asthma, it’s important to know what to do during an asthma attack. The first step is to try to stay calm. When you’re feeling panicked, your breathing gets faster and shallower, which can make your asthma symptoms worse. If you can, sit down and take slow, deep breaths until your breathing starts to calm down. You might also want to use your quick-relief inhaler. This medication opens up your airways and makes it easier to breathe.
If your symptoms don’t start to improve after a couple of minutes, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Asthma attacks can be serious, so it’s important to get medical help right away if your symptoms aren’t improving.
- Stabilize your breathing
An asthma attack can be a frightening experience. Your chest feels tight, you can’t catch your breath, and you may feel like you’re suffocating. But it’s important to remember that asthma attacks are temporary and that there are things you can do to ease your symptoms and get relief.
One of the most important things you can do is to focus on stabilizing your breathing. This means taking slow, deep breaths and exhaling slowly. This will help to ease the feeling of tightness in your chest and promote better airflow. You may also want to try pursing your lips while you breathe out to help slow down your breathing.
Remember, an asthma attack is not dangerous and it will eventually pass. Focusing on stabilizing your breathing will help you to get through it as quickly and comfortably as possible.
- Move away from asthma triggers
If you have asthma, it’s important to identify and avoid triggers that can cause an asthma attack. Common triggers include tobacco smoke, dust, pollen, pet dander, mold spores, and air pollution. Exercise can also trigger an asthma attack in some people.
The best way to avoid triggers is to stay away from them altogether. If you can’t avoid a trigger, try to limit your exposure to it. For example, if you’re allergic to pollen, stay indoors on days when the pollen count is high. If you’re sensitive to cold air, dress warmly and cover your mouth and nose when you go outside in cold weather.
Broward Community and Family Health Centers offer comprehensive asthma care, including screenings, medication management, and education. Our experienced providers can help you get your asthma under control so you can enjoy the autumn weather. We accept most insurance plans. Call us today at 954-624-3200 to schedule an appointment.
