What To Do If You’re Having an Asthma Attack
An asthma attack can be an incredibly scary situation. You may experience tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing, wheezing, and a cough that is not productive. It’s easy to find yourself in a state of panic, but you can take action and manage the attack. Here are some steps to get you feeling back to normal, faster:
Stop What You’re Doing
It is important to relax your body. Sit up straight to open up your airways. This helps you get more air and oxygen into your lungs, hopefully decreasing your wheezing and gasping.
Control your breath by breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth slowly. Try to remain calm, as panicked breathing will only make it worse. Use your rescue inhaler, if you have one.
Remove Yourself From Any Triggers
If your attack was brought on by exposure to allergens, move yourself away from them if possible. Get to an area with clean air. Wash your face, blow your nose, and shower to remove any debris that could be causing a reaction.
If you are unable to move completely away from any triggers, try to find a damp cloth to breathe through. This can help filter out any of those allergens that may bother your airways and slow your breathing until you can get to cleaner air.
Follow Your Asthma Action Plan
An asthma action plan is a personalized care plan that details what you should do in the event your asthma is getting worse or results in an attack. Your doctor will have discussed this plan with you, and it is important that you follow your protocol for best results.
If you’ve suffered from asthma for a while, chances are you’ve got your action plan committed to memory. However, having a copy of it in your bag or wallet, or saved on your phone, can help you remember what to do if you begin to panic. It also can help others who may be around you guide you through the steps in your plan.
Despite your best efforts, some asthma attacks may just be too much for you to handle on your own.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately If:
You do not have an asthma action plan
Your lips or fingernails are turning blue or purple
You are having trouble walking
You cannot complete sentences, even at rest
Symptoms do not subside after a period of rest
Don’t wait for your doctor to call you back; get to an emergency room or call an ambulance for immediate care.
Asthma Clinics in Mississippi
MSAAC is your premier asthma and allergy clinic in Mississippi. Our knowledgeable staff is dedicated to providing you with the best care and resources. Asthma doesn’t have to take over your life.