How to Treat an Asthma Attack

Around 300 million people around the globe have asthma. It is a chronic disease that is usually found among children. However, the majority of deaths related to asthma occur in adults. Asthma is the narrowing or inflammation of the body’s bronchial tubes. The bronchial tubes are tubes that provide passage for air to reach the lungs. Due to inflammation or tightening, the path becomes narrow, which can cause difficulty in breathing.

Asthma can vary from person to person, both in terms of frequency and seriousness. It causes wheezing and loss of breath in an individual. When the signs of asthma become more severe, then you can experience an asthma attack. During an asthma attack, one can be found coughing, wheezing, or struggling to breathe.

If an asthma attack is left untreated, it can potentially kill a person. This is why it’s essential to know what steps to take when someone experiences an asthma attack.

What to Do

When a companion or family member has an asthma attack, being aware of specific steps can be very useful. By following these tips, you can save someone’s life.

First aid

The first thing you should do is remove any tight piece of clothing the person is wearing. By doing this, you are getting rid of anything that might cause difficulty breathing. Make sure the person sits upright and finds an inhaler.

Inhaler

You can use an inhaler with or without a spacer. If a person has their personalized inhaler, then use that. Try not to use an inhaler that belongs to somebody else as it may have some other medication. A used inhaler can even lead to an infection.

Call for Help

As soon as the asthma attack occurs, call for help. Inform your doctor and call an ambulance if necessary. If the patient is showing signs of little to no breathing, then it’s best the doctors look after them. Going to the hospital and getting treatment on time can save your life.

Treatment

The first thing doctors usually do when a patient is suffering from an asthma attack is to check how the lungs are functioning. This can be done with lung tests, including peak flow, pulse oximetry, spirometry, and nitric oxide measurements. These tests will help the doctors to get a clear picture of your lung function and provide treatment accordingly.

Asthma is a common long-term disease that millions have to live with, especially in children. It is crucial to get appropriate treatment immediately when you experience an asthma attack. At TelMDCARE, you can quick and easy access to doctors for your treatment. You can get a consultation without leaving your home. Learn more on our website.