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How To Give Yourself An Asthma Attack On Purpose

Why Have Your Asthma Symptoms Got Worse

Asthma Attack || How to Use a Nebulizer

Before your appointment, have a think about your symptoms and why you think theyve got worse. Itll help you and your GP to work out whats going on with your asthma.

Ask yourself these questions to help you:

Have I been taking my preventer inhaler every day?

Preventer medicines stop inflammation building up in your airways. But they can only do this if you take them every day.

If you stop taking them you wont have full protection. And your symptoms will come back.

Have you been taking yours every day? Or have you found it hard to get into a good routine?

Do I know the best way to take my inhalers?

Even if youve been taking an inhaler for years, its easy to slip into bad habits. If you havent been taking your inhaler correctly you will have been missing out on the full dose of asthma medicine.

Are you confident youre taking your inhalers in the right way? Watch our inhaler videos to see if youre doing it right. And ask your GP or asthma nurse to check it at your appointment.

Have I been around more of my usual asthma triggers?

Maybe youve caught a cold, or its pollen season and your hay fevers bad. Think about your usual triggers and if they might be affecting you more.

Have I come across a new trigger?

Have you been around an animal or pet? Did you start a new job, or go on holiday? Tell your doctor if youve spotted a new trigger. They can help you deal with it.

What else has been going on in my life lately?

Have I noticed hormonal changes?

Oxygen Therapy Guidelines And Side Effects

Finally, before we bring proceedings to a close, we shall finish up by looking at a few oxygen therapy guidelines and side effects.

To begin with, when it comes to guidelines, you should always speak to your doctor who will be able to advise you on exactly how much oxygen you require, and which form of oxygen therapy may be the most beneficial to you.

You should also never exceed the recommended daily intake of oxygen, or skip treatments, no matter how good you feel, or how busy you may be.

As beneficial as oxygen therapy is, there are still a series of side-effects that you will need to be wary of. A few common ones include:

Bleeding nose If you find yourself predisposed to nose bleeds, youll often find that in the event of oxygen therapy is administered via a nasal cannula, you may experience nose bleeds from time to time, so it is worth being very gentle when inserting the cannula.

Headaches Some users also experience headaches for a short period after receiving oxygen therapy, especially in the morning.

If you are receiving oxygen therapy when you sleep, waking up with a headache in the morning is certainly a possibility. Some people are fine, whereas others do seem to struggle with headaches, so just bear that in mind.

Nasal dryness Finally, the last potential side effect of oxygen therapy for asthma treatment is nasal dryness. Again, this is far more likely to occur in people receiving oxygen therapy in the form of a nasal cannula.

How Do You Know If You Are Having An Asthma Attack

An asthma attack happens when the body is exposed to a triggerlike pollen or smokethat causes the airways to become inflamed and swollen.

Asthma attacks are uncomfortable to experience and can be frightening, especially for children. If you or someone you know is having any of the following symptoms, they may be having an asthma attack:

  • Difficulty breathing;
  • Chest tightness or pain;
  • Coughing or wheezing

An asthma attack may go away after a few minutes with proper treatment, but symptoms can last longer and become life-threatening if untreated. Seek medical attention immediately if you or someone you know is having a severe asthma attack with one or more of the following symptoms:

  • A feeling of panic about the asthma attack
  • Pale and sweaty face
  • Lips or fingernails that are turning blue
  • No improvement in symptoms after using an inhaler

Read Also: How Do You Control Asthma Without An Inhaler

Inhaler Devices For Asthma Medication

Some people need extra help to take their asthma medication and make it work more effectively.

Work with your doctor to decide which device is best for you.Inhalers are the most common devices for asthma medication. The 3 main types of inhaler devices are:;

  • Metered-dose inhaler an aerosol canister that produces a fine mist of medication. Always shake the canister before use. It is recommended to always use a spacer with your puffer.
  • Breath-activated inhaler a spring-loaded aerosol canister. The medication automatically mists out when you start to breathe in through the mouthpiece. These are good for children and for people who find it hard to coordinate a puffer.
  • Dry-powder inhalers contain medication as a dry powder, rather than liquid like aerosol inhalers. Deep breathing is required to release medication to the lungs. Young children and anyone who struggles with shortness of breath may find these difficult to use.;

Watch National Asthma Council videos;which show you how to use different types of inhalers, including this video on how to use a standard metered-dose inhaler.

Some other types of medication may be used for more severe asthma. Your doctor may prescribe these additional therapies or refer you to a respiratory specialist.

How Does Oxygen Therapy Help Asthma

Asthma attacks

Asthma is a fairly common condition that affects a persons airways, causing them to struggle to breathe. Typically, an asthma condition will be exasperated by triggers.

When an individual suffering from severe asthma comes in contact with an irritant which acts as a trigger, dust for example, ordinarily the body reacts in three different ways.

To begin with, the muscles surrounding the airways contract and tighten, which makes the airways become much narrower.

The airways lining also becomes inflamed and swollen, and finally, the body often also produces additional phlegm or mucus, which can affect breathing even more.

Combine all of the above together and you have the perfect recipe for one breathless experience.

Fortunately, today we have a number of asthma treatments currently available, and one of which is Oxygen Therapy which we are going to be looking at in todays article.

In This Article …

  • Oxygen Therapy Guidelines And Side Effects
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    Breathing Treatments For Asthma

    Asthma treatment usually has two parts. The first involves fast-acting medication for flare-ups. The second includes preventive treatments to avoid those flare-ups.

    The most common medication used to treat asthma is albuterol. Its a short-acting drug that provides almost instant relief during an asthma attack. It can be delivered through either an inhaler or a nebulizer.

    Are There Any Special Considerations For Adults Who Develop Asthma

    People with multiple medical conditions need to be aware of how their illnesses and the medications they use may affect one another.

    If you take more than one medication, talk with your physician about ways to simplify your medication program. Explore the possibility of combining medications or using alternate ones that will have the same desired effect. Be sure to discuss potential drug interactions with anything you take including vitamins or herbal supplements.

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    How Do I Handle An Asthma Flare

    If you feel like a flare-up is about to happen, stay calm. Let people around you know what’s going on. Then remember your asthma action plan. That’s the written plan that tells you what to do next.

    Stay calm and focus on what your asthma action plan says. Your doctor probably told you to use your quick-relief medicine, so do that first.

    If you can figure out what triggered your symptoms , remove the trigger or yourself from the area. Sometimes that’s all you need to get your asthma under control again.

    If a flare-up is more severe, you might need to get help.

    Asthma Attack Triggers And How To Prevent Them

    How To Treat An Asthma Attack | What To Do During An Asthma Attack | Inhaler Treatment At Home

    If youve ever had an asthma attack, you know how scary it can be when your chest tightens, making it difficult to take breaths between coughing. These are just some of the symptoms that characterize an asthma attack. Asthma attacks can be triggered by many things, making it all the more frightening when you suddenly cant breathe.

    Understanding what triggers your asthma is the first step toward preventing an asthma attack. Well explain what you need to know about common asthma attack triggers, so you can do your best to prevent symptoms from interrupting your everyday life.;;

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    Food Additives And Asthma

    Food preservatives, food colorings, and flavoring agents have been found to cause asthma attacks in some people, so make sure to read food labels. Sodium bisulfite, potassium bisulfite, sodium metabisulfite, potassium metabisulfite, and sodium sulfite are all potential triggers. Sulfites are the most common, Zitt explains. “Some people have trouble with delicatessen meats that are high in nitrites, while others may experience asthma symptoms from monosodium glutamate or from yellow food coloring containing tartrazine. Still, he adds, the scientific evidence regarding some of these potential triggers remains in dispute.

    Question : Do Your Symptoms Get Worse When You Go Out In The Garden Or Are Near Pets

    You answered yes.

    You answered no.

    • A worsening of asthma symptoms is known as an asthma exacerbation, or more commonly, as an asthma attack. These are induced by triggers; stimulus that cause increased severity of symptoms.
    • Triggers are often something airborne that inflame the bronchi when they come into contact with them.
    • Common triggers include allergens such as pollen, pet hair, or dust, but an asthma attack can also be triggered by non-allergic reactions, such as to cigarette smoke, exhaust fumes, certain foods or medicines, or an abrupt change in the weather.
    • An attack can even be brought on by stress; a number of changes in the body take place when were under pressure, which can lead to increased chest tightness and heavy breathing.
    • The body also releases chemicals in periods of stress, such as leukotrienes and histamines, which can cause inflammation of the airways.

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    Reliever Medication For Asthma

    Reliever medication is used for an asthma flare-up or emergency. It opens the airways quickly and is taken as needed for immediate relief from asthma symptoms.

    Reliever medication is sometimes overused. Using too much, or too often, could lead to side effects, including tremors and a rapid heart rate.

    These side effects are not likely to cause harm. However, frequent use of reliever medication may be a sign that your asthma is not being well controlled.;If you need to use a reliever more than twice a week for asthma symptoms , see your doctor to review your asthma and medication.

    Milder To Dangerous: You Cant Sum Up Asthma In One Category

    Thunderstorm Asthma

    Life serves asthma in different varieties. Milder to dangerous, you just cant keep it in a single bracket. You may have minor asthma today, and its also very much possible that it becomes a major problem tomorrow.

    As if inflammation in the lungs were not enough, the respiratory viruses such as cold and flu make asthma more dangerous. You feel as if a heavy brick lays on your chest with the mucus web floating inside the lungs.

    The mucus doesnt like to be your system. It wants to get out of the systems. So that leads to excessive wheezing and coughing. Sometimes, as hard as your lungs would come out in the blow. Believe me; I never felt as tight in my biceps as I always felt with my chest. Not because I was Hulk Hogan, but the asthmatic mucus bloated my chest.

    Anyway, the point is asthma is not good. You dont want to be its victim. If you do: these symptoms might harass you.

    • Lips turn blue

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    Two Tips For Stress Reduction

    Mindful Breathing

  • Start by breathing in and out slowly.
  • Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth, letting your breath flow easily.
  • Try inhaling for 7 seconds, holding your breath for 7 seconds and letting your breath out for 7 seconds.
  • While focusing on your breathing, try to let go of other thoughts and just be in the moment.
  • Try doing this for three rounds.
  • Observation

  • Pick an object from nature thats around you.
  • Focus on watching it for a minute or two.
  • This could be a tree, insect or even the clouds or the moon.
  • Dont do anything except notice the thing you are looking at.
  • Look at it as if you are seeing it for the first time.
  • Just relax into this observation for as long as your focus allows.
  • Look Beyond The Obvious

    There are some well-known and obvious triggers you should avoid when you have asthma cold air, dust mites, pollen, tobacco smoke, mold, and pet dander among them. But what about your favorite candle, thunderstorms, aspirin, or even traffic? Several odd or unusual things can trigger an asthma attack. If you have asthma, its important to identify your own particular triggers so you can try to avoid or at least be better prepared for a potential attack.

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    Personal Asthma Action Plan

    As part of your initial assessment, you should be encouraged to draw up a personal asthma action plan with your GP or asthma nurse.

    If you’ve been admitted to hospital because of an asthma attack, you should be offered an action plan before you go home.

    The action plan should include information about your asthma medicines, and will help you recognise when your symptoms are getting worse and what steps to take. You should also be given information about what to do if you have an asthma attack.

    Your personal asthma action plan should be reviewed with your GP or asthma nurse at least once a year, or more frequently if your symptoms are severe.

    As part of your asthma plan, you may be given a peak flow meter. This will give you another way of monitoring your asthma, rather than relying only on symptoms, so you can recognise deterioration earlier and take appropriate steps.

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    Why Asthma Can Be Worse In Winter And Steps To Manage Attacks

    Asthma first aid – How to use an asthma puffer and spacer

    Asthma is a chronic condition that affects nearly 25 million people in America. Its a respiratory disease that makes breathing difficult and often comes with lung spasms, wheezing, and chest tightness.

    Your lungs are made of bronchi that transport air to and from your lungs. If you have asthma, your airways are easily inflamed. Inflamed airways swell, closing your breathing passages and making it hard for air to reach your lungs.

    Changes in your environment like weather, dust, and smoke can make your lungs extra sensitive. For many asthmatics, winter weather brings more frequent asthma attacks. The doctors at Wasatch Peak Family Practice can help you find an asthma treatment plan that works with your lifestyle.

    One of the best things you can do to prevent and manage asthma attacks in winter is;to understand your triggers and know your treatment plan. Let us help you understand your asthma and how to control it.

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    Side Effects Of Steroid Tablets

    Oral steroids carry a risk if they are taken for more than three months or if they are taken frequently . Side effects can include:

    • easy bruising ;
    • muscle weakness

    With the exception of increased appetite, which is very commonly experienced by people taking oral steroids, most of these unwanted effects are uncommon.

    However, it is a good idea to keep an eye out for them regularly, especially side effects that are not immediately obvious, such as high blood pressure, thinning of the bones, diabetes and glaucoma.

    You will need regular appointments to check for these.

    Want to know more?

    How To Operate A Nebulizer

    Follow these specific steps to use your nebulizer:

  • Set up your machine in a spot where you can comfortably sit for up to 15 minutes and where there is a power source .
  • Wash your hands before using the nebulizer.
  • Pour measured medication into the nebulizer cup and attach the mask or mouthpiece to the cup.
  • Connect the tubing from the cup to the machine’s body and switch the nebulizer on.
  • Place the mouthpiece between your teeth and seal your lips over it, or put the mask over your face. Within seconds, a light mist will be emitted.
  • Breathe normally through your mouth. Around every fifth breath, take a slow, deep inhale and hold for two or three seconds.
  • Continue until the mist dissipates and all the medication is gone from the cup.
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    Continue Learning About First Aid Risks

    Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.

    What Is Good Asthma Care

    4 Ways to Stop an Asthma Attack Without an Inhaler

    Your doctor or nurse will tailor your asthma treatment to your symptoms. Sometimes you may need to be on higher levels of medication than at others.

    You should be offered:

    • care at your GP surgery provided by doctors and nurses trained in asthma management
    • full information about your condition and how to control it
    • involvement in making decisions about your treatment
    • regular checks to ensure your asthma is under control and your treatment is right for you
    • a written personal asthma action plan agreed with your doctor or nurse

    It is also important that your GP or pharmacist teaches you how to properly use your inhaler, as this is an important part of good asthma care.

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