Did you know that asthma caused almost half a million deaths last year? An asthma attack doesn’t just mean having trouble breathing. It can be severe, debilitating, and sometimes fatal.
If you or one of your loved ones are of the millions of Americans who have asthma, it’s essential to know how to treat asthma attacks. Effective treatment can mean the difference between a mild and a severe asthma attack.
With that in mind, we put together this guide to treating asthma. Read on to learn how to do it!
Symptoms of an Asthma Attack
After an attack has been triggered, symptoms can last for a few days. Symptoms might be so subtle that you don’t even notice them at first. However, they will worsen over time.
If you feel breathless or are often coughing, wheezing, or panting, you might be experiencing an asthma attack. In addition, if you have trouble sleeping, eating, or speaking due to your symptoms, it could be a sign of a worsening asthma attack.
First Steps
At the first sign of an asthma attack, take a seat and sit up straight. Many people make the mistake of lying down, but sitting straight opens your lungs and airways up. This makes it easier to breathe.
If you have asthma, you should always have medication on hand. Always carry asthma medication like a Spiriva inhaler at all times so you can treat an asthma attack as soon as you notice any symptoms. In this way, your inhaler can help prevent a mild attack from turning severe.
Use your inhaler every 30 seconds to one minute. If after 10 puffs your symptoms haven’t improved, you should seek emergency medical care. If emergency medical care takes more than 15 minutes to arrive, continue puffing your inhaler.
Breathing Exercises
It can be difficult to relax when you’re having an asthma attack, but concentrated breathing can help. A few exercises can help you keep your airways open and increase airflow.
Try breathing in through your nose, and out through pursed lips. Try to exhale twice as long as you’ve inhaled.
And, if you breathe into your belly you can help open your airways and lungs even more. Be sure to relax your neck and shoulders.
Preventative Care
If you maintain a healthy weight, exercise regularly, and avoid triggers, you can minimize asthma’s impact on your life. Don’t smoke, steer clear of pet dander, pollen, and other known irritants.
If you end up needing your inhaler more than three times a week, you should get in touch with your doctor to work on your treatment plan.
Now You Know How to Treat Asthma Attacks
The prognosis for asthma is incredibly positive. Asthmatics can lead very normal lives as long as they are vigilant and proactive about their symptoms.
But, knowing how to treat asthma attacks is vital. It can even save a life. If you know how to treat your asthma, you can minimize its impact and live your life to the fullest.
If you enjoyed learning about treating asthma, we have lots of similar health guides on our blog. Check it out for more!
