What to do in Case of Asthma Attack

Asthma Attacks

Asthma increases during winter. In many cases, it is so severe that it can lead to fatalities, such as asthma attacks. Asthma attack is when the airways constrict due to hypersensitivity and there is a sudden acute shortness of breath.

Every year, many people worldwide die of asthma attacks. With a few precautions, many of its deaths could have been prevented.

If you take the right treatment for asthma, the risk of developing an asthma attack is greatly reduced. Go to the doctor at least once a year to get an asthma test and consult your treatment. Have a clear idea of ​​what to do in case of sudden onset of shortness of breath. If possible, try to get written advice, so that if you have an asthma attack, you can take treatment according to that writing.

What are the symptoms of an asthma attack?

Your asthma symptoms are getting worse (cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness or wheezing)

Even using an inhaler is not working

Shortness of breath has increased so much that it is not possible to talk, eat or sleep

Your breathing is getting faster and you feel like you can't breathe

Your peak-flow score is lower than normal. It's a kind of test to measure how fast you can get air out of your lungs. (We are writing an article on peak flow. Try to find out more about this from other sources.)

Chest or abdominal pain may also occur in children

These symptoms do not have to start suddenly. Rather, the symptoms often worsen over a period of hours or days.

 

What to do in case of asthma attack?

If you think your asthma is getting worse, consider the following.

Sit up straight. Do not lie down.

The patient sits facing the back of the chair, leans forward and puts his hands behind the chair to breathe. Open an adjoining door or window for fresh air. Remove the neckline, loose neck, chest and abdomen and tight clothing to facilitate breathing.

Try to breathe in and out slowly

Keep calm If you panic or panic, the condition may get worse

An inhaler that is supposed to be taken when the symptoms are bad is usually called a reliever inhaler. Take a puff (breath) from your reliever inhaler once every 30 to 60 seconds. You can take puff up to a maximum of 10 times.

When to rush to the hospital?

If you do not have an inhaler

If your condition continues to worsen after using the inhaler

If you do not feel well after taking 10 puffs of inhaler

If at any stage you feel anxious

Don't be afraid to ask for help in any emergency. If possible, take detailed information about the medications you use when going to the hospital. If it is not possible to get to the hospital within 15 minutes, repeat step 4 (inhaler puff). If your symptoms improve and you do not need immediate help, try to see a doctor at least once a day.

These recommendations do not apply to people who are undergoing asthma MART or SMART treatment (where asthma is usually treated with a single inhaler). Consult your doctor about what to do in case of asthma attack. Try to get written advice so that if you have an asthma attack, you can take treatment according to that writing.

What to do after an asthma attack?

If you have to be hospitalized, you should see a doctor again within 48 hours of being released from the hospital. And if hospital treatment is not needed, try to see a doctor on the same day.

Many people who have to be hospitalized for an asthma attack need to be hospitalized again within 2 weeks for the same reason. So it is important to discuss what you need to do to prevent further attacks Talk to your doctor about any changes you need to make to your treatment or lifestyle. For example, you may need to change the dose of your medicine or re-weld the inhaler properly.

How to prevent asthma attacks?

Following these steps may reduce your chances of developing an asthma attack.

Follow your asthma treatment rules and take the medicines on time as per the prescription.

Talk to your doctor about your asthma treatment at least once a year. Check with your doctor to make sure you are using the inhaler properly.

Avoid as much as possible the things that make your symptoms worse.

If your symptoms continue to worsen or you need to use an inhaler frequently, be careful. Follow your prescribed medical procedures properly and seek medical help immediately if symptoms persist.

Advice for family and friends of asthma patients

It's important to know how your family or friends can help you with an asthma attack. You can copy the written description of your personal medical procedure or take pictures with people close to you so that they can know and be aware of what to do if you have an asthma attack.