What to Do In Case Of an Asthma Attack: Control and Prevention

Asthma is a respiratory condition that makes breathing difficult and causes wheezing. In the United States alone, the condition affects around 25 million people, which means that someone around you has asthma—or it could be you.

So, knowing how to help a friend with this condition, or managing an asthma attack is crucial. Here’s what online doctors suggest to prevent asthma attack from worsening.

What Are the Symptoms Of An Asthma Attack?

An asthma attack comes with certain telltale signs, of which having difficulty in breathing tops the list. Asthma attacks keep recurring every few days, or weeks, depending on the severity of the condition. The other symptoms are:

• Incessant bouts of coughing
• Wheezing, even when you're at rest and not doing any strenuous activity
• A tightness around the chest
• Gasping for air and feeling breathless

What Should I Do During An Asthma Attack?

Certain things can ease the symptoms of an asthma attack, including sitting up straight instead of lying on your side.

• When you your chest tightens, and breathing becomes a chore—grab your inhaler.
• Take up to ten puffs, but pause for a minute between each of them. Ask your friend or a family member to call an ambulance for you—but if you're alone when an attack happens, alert your family first. Do it between the minute long gap between the puffs, and call the ambulance next.

However, if you believe your breathing is becoming easier, then skip the emergency call and book an appointment with your online doctor for Asthma on the same day.

Can I Prevent An Asthma Attack From Happening?

Asthma attack can be extremely distressful, and preventing one is possible. Follow these steps to prevent an asthma attack:

• Follow your doctor's prescription, and take your medication according to their advice.
• Make sure that you're using your inhaler correctly.
• Discuss your condition in detail with an online doctor, or book an in-person appointment at least once a year.
• Make sure to limit contact with things that trigger your asthma or allergies.
• If you notice that your symptoms are worse than usual, then contact your doctor immediately. This way, you can prevent it from turning into a full-fledged asthma attack.

Are There Any Complications Related To Asthma?

Every 1 in 13 people have asthma, and are likely to have an asthma attack. Respiratory infections and diseases that compromise your breathing can make your life difficult. Not only can asthma, bronchitis, and allergies interfere with your sleep schedule, but can also disrupt your work and social life.

Usually, children have to take a day off from school when their asthma worsens, and as their age progresses, so does the increase of landing in a hospital bed due to an attack.

This is why, you must seek treatment for your respiratory issues. TelMD Care can help you and provide you with a treatment plan for your condition. We also offer consultations for other medical issues—including erectile dysfunction and strep throat infection.

Book an appointment with our virtual doctors today.