Asthma Attack - What to Do in Case of Emergency

Asthma attacks usually induce panic within theanytime, anywhere, that's why it's always good to
sufferer as well as the people who are with thebe ready and prepared, physically, emotionally and
asthmatic individual. It is quite understandable whypsychologically.
people initially panic when someone is having anWhen someone is having an asthma attack, they can
asthma attack because seeing someone breathingbreathe easier when they are sitting up rather than
difficultly and gasping for air is an alarming sight.lying down.
However, the asthmatic person having the attack asDo not ever make the grave mistake of making
well as the people around him or her should try toasthma patients lie down during their attack because
avoid panicking because it will do more harm thanit will only make things worse by making it more
good.difficult to breathe.
When people panic, they tend to be less logical andIf it's your first time to encounter or help someone
rational and they end up overlooking the simple andwho is having an asthma attack, you should not panic
basic solutions to an asthma attack.because an adult patient usually knows how to handle
In case of an emergency, the first thing that peoplehis or her attack and you may just have to calmly
should remember is to stay calm and maintain aask him or her what you should do to help alleviate
peaceful mind to give room for more sensiblethe effects of the attack. You can ask the patient
thought.where they are keeping their inhaler so that they can
Children that are having emergency asthma attacksat least have a first-aid treatment while waiting for
are usually hard to handle because they usually havemedical help.
a hard time understanding and expressing what isHelp patients use the inhaler. During an asthma
happening to them. Parents or guardians of asthmaticattack, patients may be shaking, nervous or scared
children must be keen and sensitive enough to knowand that's why you should really help them in using
or sense when their child is already showing signs andtheir inhaler. If at the time of the emergency attack,
symptoms of an asthma attack.the patient has no inhaler with him or her, you can
When this happens, the child must not be alarmed orresort to using or borrowing someone else's inhaler
provoked to panic; the parents or guardian must notwhile waiting for medical help.
show any sign of panic or alarm so the child can stayDoctors greatly emphasize that an inhaler is a very
calm and feel at ease. Asthma attacks may happencritical need during an emergency asthma attack.