Asthma Attack

Every year, many people worldwide die due to asthma attacks. Many of its deaths could have been prevented if some precautions had been taken.

If you take proper asthma treatment, the risk of having an asthma attack is greatly reduced. Visit your doctor at least once a year for an asthma test and advice on your treatment. Have a clear idea of what to do in case of a sudden onset of shortness of breath. Try to get advice in writing if possible, so that you can get treatment according to the written form in case of an asthma attack.

What are the symptoms of an asthma attack?

Your asthma symptoms are getting worse (cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness or wheezing)
Using an inhaler doesn’t work either
Shortness of breath has increased to such an extent that it is not possible to talk, eat or sleep
Your breathing is fast and you feel like you can’t catch your breath
Your peak-flow score is lower than normal. This is a test that measures how fast you can blow air out of your lungs. (We are working on an article on peak flow. Until then, try to find out about it from other sources.)
Children may also have problems with chest or abdominal pain.

These symptoms do not necessarily start suddenly. Rather, symptoms often gradually worsen over hours or days.

What should you do if you have an asthma attack?

If you think you are having an asthma attack, keep the following in mind:.

Sit up straight. Do not wear it lying down.
Try to breathe in and out slowly.
Keep calm Getting nervous or panicking can make the situation worse.
The inhaler to be taken when symptoms worsen is usually called a reliever inhaler. Take 1 puff from your reliever inhaler every 30 to 60 seconds. You can take a maximum of 10 puffs.

When should I go to the hospital quickly?

If you do not have an inhaler with you,
If your condition continues to worsen after using the inhaler,
If you do not feel better after taking 10 puffs of the inhaler,
If you feel anxious at any stage,

Don’t be afraid to ask for help in any emergency. If possible, take detailed information about the medicines you are taking with you when you go to the hospital. If it is not possible to get to the hospital within 15 minutes, repeat step 4 (taking the inhaler puff).

If your symptoms improve and you don’t need immediate help, try to see a doctor at least once that day.

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

What should I do after an asthma attack?

If hospitalization is required, a re-examination should be done within 48 hours of discharge from the hospital. And if hospital treatment is not required, try to see the doctor on the same day.

Many of those hospitalized for an asthma attack require hospitalization again within 2 weeks for the same reason. So it is important to discuss what you can do to prevent the next attack. Talk to your doctor about whether you need to make any changes to your treatment regimen or lifestyle. For example, your medication dose may need to be changed, or you may need to relearn how to use the inhaler correctly.

How do you prevent asthma attacks?

Taking the following steps can reduce your chances of having an asthma attack:.

Follow your asthma treatment regimen and take your prescribed medications on time.
Discuss your asthma treatment with your doctor at least once a year.
Check with your doctor to see if you can use the inhaler correctly.
Avoid things that aggravate your symptoms as much as possible.

Be careful if your symptoms get worse or if you need to use the inhaler more often. Follow your prescribed treatment regimen exactly, and seek emergency medical attention if symptoms worsen.

Tips for Family and Friends of Asthma Patients

Your family or friends must know how to help you when you have an asthma attack. You can copy or take pictures of your personal medical history and give it to those close to you so that they know and are aware of what to do when you have an asthma attack.