For someone with asthma, an inhaler is literally a part of life. You know how important it is to always have it with you. But imagine, what if you had an asthma attack while you were traveling, or suddenly ran out of your inhaler and didn't have it with you? It's normal to feel anxious and scared at times like that. But there are a few simple ways to make your breathing a little easier and keep it under control until you can see a doctor. That's what we're talking about today.
Things to do immediately in an emergency
If you feel like you're having an asthma attack, or if you've already had one, try these things without panicking.
Don't slouch, sit straight!
When you have asthma, you may feel like lying down. But don't do that. If you slouch or lean forward, it can make your lungs even tighter and make it harder to breathe. So sit up straight in a chair or bed. This will allow your chest and lungs to move freely.
Focus on breathing.
It is very important to try to control your breathing at this time. There are two main breathing techniques that you can use for this. If you practice these regularly, they will be of great help to you in an emergency.
- Buteyko method: This involves stopping breathing through your mouth and breathing slowly and calmly through your nose. When you breathe this way, the air entering your body becomes warm and moist. This reduces the sensitivity of your airways, making it easier to breathe.
- Papworth method: This is a special method that combines breathing and relaxation exercises. Instead of breathing loudly through your chest and mouth, you are taught to breathe calmly using your diaphragm, which is your stomach area, and your nose. It is like breathing from your belly. This method also helps you change your breathing pattern according to the task you are doing.
Both of these methods take time to learn properly, so it's best to talk to your doctor about this and practice them properly.
Stay away from things that make your asthma worse (Triggers).
There are things around you that can make your asthma worse. We call these 'triggers'. It's important to stay away from these things as much as possible, not just during an asthma attack, but at all other times.
| Asthma trigger | Description and how to prevent it? |
|---|---|
| Pollen, dust, mold, animal dander | These are common allergens. Always keep your home and bedding clean. Avoid dusty areas. |
| People with a cold | Respiratory infections like colds can aggravate asthma, so stay away from people who are sick. |
| Cold air | Cold, dry air can constrict the airways. In such cases, cover your nose and mouth with a muffler. |
| Types of smoke | Any smoke, such as cigarette smoke, wood stove smoke, and mosquito coil smoke, is bad for asthma. Don't be around people who smoke. |
| Some medications | Some painkillers and other medications, such as aspirin, beta-blockers, ibuprofen, and naproxen sodium, can make asthma worse. Do not take any medication without first consulting a doctor. |
| Stress | Things like fear, anger, and excessive fatigue can also make asthma worse. Try to stay calm. |
| Food preservatives | Preservatives in some processed foods and beverages may be objectionable to some people. |
Things you can do at home to help when you don't have an inhaler
These things are not a substitute for an inhaler, but they can help provide temporary relief in an emergency.
The important thing is that none of this is a replacement for your inhaler or other medications prescribed by your doctor. These are only for temporary relief in an emergency.
- Use some honey: Eating a teaspoon of honey or mixing it with a glass of warm water can help loosen the mucus in your throat. When the mucus is cleared, it makes breathing a little easier. Drinking some honey before going to bed at night can help reduce mucus and help you sleep better.
- Have a drink that contains caffeine: Drinking coffee, tea, or another beverage that contains caffeine can temporarily help open your airways. A small amount of caffeine can make it easier to breathe for about 4 hours. However, more research is needed to know if this is a permanent solution.
- Eucalyptus oil: Adding a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a bowl of boiling water and inhaling the steam can help open up a stuffy nose and airways. It can also loosen mucus. But be sure to talk to your doctor before using this, as other chemicals in some eucalyptus products can worsen asthma in some people.
- Mustard oil: When mustard seed oil is heated and applied to the chest, the heat is believed to open the airways and help the lungs function. While this is safe for most people, it is important to be careful if you have sensitive skin. Keep in mind that this is not a scientifically proven treatment.
When should you definitely seek medical advice?
If you can't find your inhaler and none of the above helps, call your doctor immediately. Ask them for advice on how to get your inhaler back.
If you have any of the following severe symptoms , go to a hospital immediately without waiting any longer:
- If breathing becomes increasingly difficult
- If your chest is drawn in when you breathe
- If your lips or fingernails turn blue/purple
- If you are so short of breath that you can't even speak a word
- If you feel sleepy, confused, or extremely tired
In such a situation, immediately go to the nearest hospital's Emergency Department (ETU). Timely treatment can save a life.
Take-Home Message
- If you have an asthma attack, don't panic, stay calm, and sit up straight.
- Practice breathing exercises regularly, such as breathing slowly through your nose. These will help in an emergency.
- Know exactly what your asthma triggers are and stay away from them.
- Home remedies like honey and caffeine are only for temporary relief in an emergency.
- Please keep in mind that none of these methods are a substitute for your doctor's prescribed inhaler or treatment plan.
- Always keep your inhaler with you. Always check the expiration date and whether there is any medicine left.
- If breathing difficulty is severe, lips turn blue, or you have difficulty speaking, go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately.
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