Itchy neck Feeling irritable or short-tempered Feeling nervous or edgy Fatigue Dark circles under the eyes
Wheezing or whistling while breathing. Most often the wheezing is heard when a person is breathing out (exhaling) but can sometimes also be heard when they are breathing in (inhaling). [5] X Trustworthy Source American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology National professional organization of allergists, asthma specialists and immunologists that focuses on supporting and publishing research Go to source Coughing. Some sufferers may cough in an attempt to clear the airway and get more oxygen into their lungs. This may be especially aggravated at night. [6] X Trustworthy Source American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology National professional organization of allergists, asthma specialists and immunologists that focuses on supporting and publishing research Go to source Shortness of breath. People suffering from asthma attacks will complain of being short of breath. They may be breathing in short shallow breaths that appear to be faster than normal. [7] X Research source Chest tightness. Attacks are often accompanied by a feeling that chest feels tight or that there is pain on the left or right side. [8] X Research source Low peak expiratory flow (PEF) readings. If the person uses a peak flow meter, a small device that measures the maximum speed of expiration in order to monitor a person’s ability to exhale air, and the measurements range from 50% to 79% of your personal best, this is indicative of an asthma flare-up.
Fast breathing is common in an asthma attack in children. Children may show ‘retractions’ where you can see their neck pulling, belly breathing, or their ribs when they breathe. In some children a chronic cough can be the only symptom of an asthma attack. In other cases, symptoms of asthma in children are limited to coughing that is made worse with viral infections or when they are sleeping. [9] X Trustworthy Source American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology National professional organization of allergists, asthma specialists and immunologists that focuses on supporting and publishing research Go to source
People with asthma who need their medication but may not require immediate medical attention will: be wheezing slightly but not appear in distress may be coughing to clear their airway and get more air have some shortness of breath but able to talk and walk do not appear to be anxious or in distress will be able to tell you they have asthma and where their medication is located People who are in significant distress and will require immediate medical attention: may appear pale or even have a bluish color to their lips or fingers have the same symptoms as above but intensified and more severe strain their chest muscles to breathe experience severe shortness of breath, which results in short panting breaths wheeze audibly with inspiration or expiration have increased anxiety about the situation possibly be confused or less responsive than normal have trouble walking or talking because of shortness of breath demonstrate persistent symptoms
When you get the diagnosis, consult with your doctor to identify your particular symptoms of worsening asthma and what you should do when they flare up (e. g. take medication, go to the emergency room, etc). [12] X Trustworthy Source American Lung Association Nonprofit health organization dedicated to improving lung health through education, advocacy, and research Go to source Make sure you know how to use your rescue inhalers. Write this plan down and keep it with you at all times.
MDIs the are most common inhalers. They deliver asthma medication through a small aerosol canister equipped with a chemical propellant that pushes the medication into the lungs. An MDI can be used alone or with a breathing chamber (“spacer”) that separates your mouth from the inhaler, and which can allow you to breathe normally to receive the medication and help the medication get into the lungs more efficiently. A DPI inhaler means of delivering dry powder asthma rescue medication without propellant. Brand names of DPI medications include Flovent, Serevent, or Advair. A DPI requires you to breathe in quickly and deeply, which makes them difficult to use during an asthma attack. This makes them less popular than the standard MDIs. Whichever you have been prescribed, make sure you are always carrying it with you.
Before using the inhaler, push out as much air in the lungs as you can. Lift your chin and seal your lips around the air chamber or the end of the inhaler. Using an air chamber, you would breathe normally and slowly to get the medication. Using the inhaler, start to breathe in and press the inhaler once. Keep breathing in until you can’t get in any more air. Hold your breath for 10 seconds and repeat at least one time, but often more, allowing at least one minute between uses. Always follow the instructions on your asthma plan.
Breathe out as much air as possible. Seal your lips around the DPI and breathe in strongly until your lungs are full. Hold your breath for 10 seconds. Remove the DPI from your mouth and exhale slowly. If more than one dose is prescribed, repeat after one minute has passed.
A good action plan will include the local number for emergency services. In addition, your doctor will have helped you identify when your symptoms are becoming more severe and when you are entering an emergency situation so that you’ll know when to get help. Call your local emergency number if your attack is not significantly relieved by your rescue inhaler in several minutes.
Try to stay calm. Becoming anxious can increase your symptoms. Ask someone in the vicinity to sit with you to help you stay calm until emergency help arrives.
Asthma is exacerbated by anxiety but it is not triggered by anxiety. This means that during an attack the individual will respond more rapidly when he is calm. Anxiety releases cortisol in the body which constricts the bronchioles, the passages by which air passes through the nose and/or mouth to the air sacs of the lungs. [16] X Research source It’s important that you stay calm and reassuring as this can assist the person in maintaining calm.
Ask the person if he has a written asthma emergency action plan. Many individuals who are prepared for asthma attacks will carry a written emergency plan with them. If the person has one, take it out and help him follow the plan. [17] X Research source
Animals Smoke Pollen High humidity or cold weather
Women may keep their inhaler in their handbags and men in a pocket. Some asthmatics, especially children or the elderly, may have a clear plastic tube called a spacer that attaches to the inhaler. A spacer delivers the medicine into the mouth with less force, making it easier to inhale. Children and elderly people who suffer frequent asthma attacks may also carry nebulizers, which deliver asthma medication through a mouthpiece or mask. They are easy to use, because the patient breathes normally and are thus ideal for the young and old, but are somewhat bulkier than the MDIs and require electricity to work. If the person does not have an inhaler, call emergency medical services, especially if the asthmatic is young or elderly. People suffering from asthma attacks without inhalers are serious risk of asphyxiating.
If there is a spacer for the MDI, attach it to the inhaler after shaking. Remove the cap from the mouthpiece. Help the person tilt his head back if necessary. Have the asthmatic exhale as much as possible before using the inhaler. Allow the person to administer his own medication. Inhaler dosages must be appropriately timed, so allow the asthmatic control of this process. Help the person support the inhaler or spacer against his lips if necessary. Most asthmatics will pause for a minute or two between puffs.
Even if the asthmatic seems to get better after using their inhaler, it is best if a paramedic or healthcare professional can assess the person. If the person does not want to go to the hospital, he can make that decision after being informed of his health status. Continue to help the person with their inhaler if necessary; even if the asthma attack does not decrease in severity the medication will help keep it from worsening by relaxing the airways.
Try pursing your lips as you exhale. This can help slow your exhales and keep the airways open for a longer time.
The drug in question here is called theophylline, which can help prevent and treat wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. [20] X Research source There may not be enough theophylline present in coffee or tea to counteract the asthma attack, but it is one alternative option.
Administer a fast-acting antihistamine (allergy medicine) if you or the asthmatic thinks an allergen has triggered the reaction. This may be the case if you are outside on a day with a high pollen index. Antihistamines include: Allegra, Benadryl, Dimetane, Claritin, Alavert, Tavist, Chlor-Trimeton, and Zyrtec, to name a few. Echinacea, ginger, chamomile, and saffron are all natural antihistamines. If you can find any teas that contain these ingredients, this might help relieve some symptoms, although the effect of antihistamines in general is likely to be minimal. Be careful when using natural herbs or supplements as some people are allergic to the ingredients. [21] X Research source Use an over-the-counter pseudoephedrine like . Sudafed. Sudafed is a nasal decongestant, but it could help during an asthma attack when an inhaler is not present because it can help open the bronchioles. It’s best to break the pill down with a mortar and pestle and dissolve in warm water or tea before administering to limit the risk of choking. Note as well that while it does work, it can take up to 15 to 30 minutes to be effective. Keep in mind as well that pseudoephedrine can increase the heart rate and blood pressure.
