Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by difficulty breathing, wheezing, and tightness in the chest. While asthma is a manageable condition, it can often lead to asthma attacks, which can be life-threatening.
In an asthma attack, the airways become inflamed and narrowed, causing breathing difficulties. Therefore, it’s important to know what to do when an asthma attack strikes and when to seek medical help.
Let’s discuss emergency response for asthma attacks and how to ensure the safety of affected individuals.
Understanding Asthma Attack and Its Symptoms
An asthma attack, also known as an asthma flare-up or exacerbation, occurs when the airways in the lungs become inflamed and narrowed, making it difficult to breathe. Symptoms can include wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.
It’s essential to recognize the signs of an asthma attack early and respond appropriately to prevent the situation from worsening.
Recognizing the Signs of Asthma
The first step to responding to an asthma attack is to recognize the signs.
Signs of mild to moderate asthma are:
- Slight difficulty in breathing
- Capability to speak in complete sentences
- Ability to walk or move about
- Potential presence of a cough or wheeze.
Indications of severe asthma are:
- Obvious difficulty with breathing
- Inability to utter a full sentence in a single breath
- Skin pulling between ribs or at the neck base
- Possible cough or wheeze
- Short-lived relief from asthma medication.
Symptoms of life-threatening asthma are as follows:
- Struggling to breathe (gasping for air)
- Can only speak one to two words per breath
- Appears confused or exhausted
- Lip color turning blue
- Rapidly worsening symptoms
- Collapse
- Minimal to no relief from reliever inhaler
- Wheezing or coughing may no longer be present.
You must seek medical help for a life-threatening asthma attack or asthma emergency.
Immediate Response to an Asthma Attack
The immediate response to an asthma attack involves staying calm and helping the person control their breathing.
You should sit the person upright and loosen any tight clothing to help them breathe comfortably. You can also help them take their prescribed asthma inhaler medication, which helps to relax the airways.
When administering asthma medications, follow these steps:
- Use the Puffer: Shake the puffer and administer one puff into the spacer.
- Take Four Breaths: Instruct the person to take four breaths from the spacer.
- Repeat: Continue this process until four puffs have been taken. If there is no improvement, give four more separate puffs of the asthma reliever.
- Call for Help: Call 911 for medical help and inform them you are dealing with an asthma emergency.
- Continue Administration: Keep giving the person four separate puffs, taking four breaths for each puff every four minutes until emergency assistance arrives.
Additionally, you can also encourage the individual to take slow and steady breaths to reduce muscle tension and ease breathing.
Prevention is Key
The best way to handle an asthma attack is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are some preventive measures:
- Control Asthma Triggers: Identify and avoid triggers that cause your asthma symptoms, such as dust, smoke, certain foods, or stress.
- Take Medication as Prescribed: Regularly take your prescribed asthma medications, even when you’re feeling well.
- Regular Check-ups: Have regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your asthma and adjust treatment as needed.
- Asthma Action Plan: Develop an asthma action plan with your healthcare provider. This plan should outline what to do in case of an asthma attack and when to seek emergency help.
Typically, an asthma action plan includes your name, the name and number of your doctor, the name and number of your local hospital, your personal best peak flow meter reading, a list of your asthma triggers, and a list of asthma symptoms.
Asthma Attack in DeSoto, TX
Asthma attacks can be life-threatening, but with the right response, it’s possible to manage them effectively. It’s essential to recognize the signs of an asthma attack, stay calm, help the person with breathing, and seek medical help promptly when necessary.
Preparing and educating yourself before an asthma attack occurs, such as knowing the individual’s triggers and medications, can help prevent attacks.
If you or your loved one is suffering from chronic health conditions such as asthma, consider visiting our healthcare provider here at Pivot Healthcare Company for an individualized asthma management plan. Our highly trained and exceptionally skilled nurse practitioner will work with you and customize a plan to manage your asthma. Our nurse practitioner will also provide you with all the necessary information and guidance to prevent or reduce your asthma flare-ups.
To know more about our services or to meet with our provider, call us today at (214) 242-9316 or request an appointment online. We look forward to serving you.
