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Asthma, a chronic respiratory condition, grips millions globally, and India bears a significant burden. An astounding 34 million people in the nation suffer from asthma, accounting for 6% of children and 2% of adults. Asthma attacks can be frightening and distressing for both the person experiencing them and those around them. If you ever find yourself in a situation where someone is having an asthma attack, it's important to know how to provide the right support. This blog post will discuss four crucial strategies on how to control asthma attack so they can receive the timely and efficient care they require.
About Asthma
Asthma manifests through inflammation and constriction of the air passages, resulting in breathing challenges. It can affect people of all ages and ranges from moderate to severe.
When individuals with asthma encounter specific triggers like allergens (such as pollen, dust mites, or animal dander), respiratory infections, cold temperatures, smoke, or physical exertion, their airways undergo inflammation and swelling. This inflammation prompts the excessive production of mucus and the contraction of muscles surrounding the air passages.
4 Ways to Support Someone Having an Asthma Attack
1. Recognise the Signs of an Asthma Attack
Familiarising yourself with the warning signs of an asthma attack is essential for providing effective support to someone with asthma. An asthma attack can manifest as any of the following symptoms:
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Shortness of breath: Breathing difficulties or irregularities that cause dyspnea.
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Wheezing: Audible whistling sound during breathing.
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Chest tightness: Tightness or pressure in the chest area.
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Coughing: A chronic cough, especially in the early morning or late at night.
In severe cases, the individual may experience:
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Extreme panic or anxiety
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A bluish tint (cyanosis) under the nails or on the lips
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Unable to speak or catch their breath
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Hunched posture, with the use of accessory muscles to breathe
It's critical to pay attention since severe asthma attacks might worsen quickly. They might need emergency care if you witness someone exhibiting these symptoms. Consult our expert internal medicine doctor in Bhubaneswar.
2. Stay Calm and Offer Reassurance
Seeing someone struggle to breathe can be distressing, but staying calm is important. Panicking can worsen the situation and increase their anxiety, making it even harder for them to breathe. Use a soothing voice and reassure them that you are there to help.
Encourage them to focus on taking slow, deep breaths, and remind them that the attack will eventually subside. Offer words of encouragement and validation, acknowledging the difficulty they're experiencing while instilling confidence in their ability to manage the situation.
3. Help Them Use Their Asthma Inhaler
Most individuals with asthma carry a rescue inhaler, also known as a bronchodilator, to provide quick relief during an attack. This inhaler typically contains medications like albuterol or levalbuterol, which relax and open the constricted airways, making breathing easier.
If the person is experiencing an asthma attack, promptly locate their rescue inhaler and assist them in using it correctly. Follow these steps:
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Shake the inhaler lightly after taking off the lid.
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Have the individual exhale completely.
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Position the inhaler's mouthpiece near their lips and instruct them to seal their lips, tightly around it.
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As they begin to inhale slowly and deeply, press down on the inhaler to release the medication.
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Encourage them to hold their breath for 5-10 seconds before exhaling slowly.
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Repeat these steps as needed, typically allowing 1-2 minutes between puffs.
If the individual uses a spacer device (a cylindrical chamber that attaches to the inhaler), ensure they follow the proper technique for optimal medication delivery.
4. Get Emergency Help if Needed
After administering the rescue medication, closely monitor the individual's condition. If their symptoms persist or worsen after 10-15 minutes, it may be necessary to repeat the medication administration process.
During this time, remain attentive to any changes in their breathing pattern, level of distress, or overall appearance. If they exhibit signs of severe respiratory distress, such as bluish discolouration of the lips or fingernails, inability to speak, or loss of consciousness, promptly seek emergency asthma attack treatment.
Call emergency services if:
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Breathing Is Very Hard: They need help to speak in full sentences or seem to struggle to breathe.
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Lips or Face Turn Blue: This means they’re not getting enough oxygen.
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Symptoms Get Worse Quickly: If they’re not improving or are getting worse even after using their inhaler.
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Keep them calm while waiting for help to arrive, and monitor their breathing.
In the event of a life-threatening situation, be prepared to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if necessary, following the guidance of emergency personnel or your prior training.
Conclusion
Knowing how to help someone during an asthma attack can be lifesaving. Remember to stay calm, help them use their inhaler, and get emergency help if necessary. For more tips on managing asthma and other health information, visit our internal medicine hospital in Bhubaneswar. Check our blog page for the latest medical updates.
FAQ's
Numerous things, including respiratory infections, cold air, smoke, allergens (such as pollen, dust mites, or pet dander), and physical exercise, can cause asthma. Breathing becomes more difficult when the lungs' airways shrink and swell due to inflammation caused by these factors.
Asthma, while manageable with proper treatment, can lead to several complications if not effectively controlled:
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Respiratory Infections, such as pneumonia and bronchitis
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Airway obstruction
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Sleep disturbances
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Tiredness or weariness
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Decreased lung function
Asthma cannot be completely prevented, but there are things you can do to lessen your chance of getting symptoms and flare-ups:
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Avoid triggers like allergens, smoke, and pollution.
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Ensure that there is no mould or dust in your home.
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Stay active, but be cautious if exercise triggers symptoms.
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Manage allergies and quit smoking if you smoke.
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Monitor the air quality and limit outdoor activities on bad days.
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Follow your asthma action plan from your doctor.
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Get vaccinations to prevent respiratory infections.
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Sustain a healthy lifestyle by managing your stress, eating well, staying hydrated, and getting enough sleep. See your doctor regularly to discuss therapy adjustments for asthma and to monitor asthma control.
Though it cannot be cured, asthma can be effectively controlled with medication. Nonetheless, the majority of asthmatics can enjoy normal, active lives without severe limitations, provided their condition is properly managed and treated.
No, asthma cannot be spread to others. However, bronchitis, much like an ordinary cold, can be contagious. Individuals with asthma are just as susceptible to catching bronchitis as anyone else.
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