Whats An Asthma Attack
When you breathe normally, muscles around your airways are relaxed, letting air move easily. During an asthma attack, three things can happen:
- Bronchospasm: The muscles around the airways constrict . When they tighten, it makes the airways narrow. Air cannot flow freely through constricted airways.
- Inflammation: The airway linings become swollen. Swollen airways dont let as much air in or out of the lungs.
- Mucus production: During the attack, your body creates more mucus. This thick mucus clogs airways.
Step #2: Distance The Trigger
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Once you have calmed down, you will be able to think clearly. Now, slowly look around and identify what has triggered off the attack. You will be well aware of the triggers that you get affected by. It could be dust, pollen, pollution, food, allergens, a particular scent, smoking, or even excess physical movement. If its dust, pollen or such triggers, then immediately create a distance between yourself and the trigger. Go out of the room which contains the trigger and into an area that has ample supply of fresh air. If its due to exercise or any other physical movement that has caused the attack, then stop the movement and rest your body to bring down the blood rate.
Consult With A Pediatrician
Consult with a pediatrician and develop a written action plan to prevent asthma attacks in your children. The plan will include a list of asthma instructions and medications on when and how the child should use them. Taking preventive measures can prevent an attack. Write down all the symptoms that appear, detailing the severity, when it happened, and how long it lasted.
How To Take And Store
A member of your healthcare team and/or your pharmacist should go over the proper way to use your inhaler when it is first prescribed. Using your inhaler correctly is essential to ensuring you get a full dose of medication.
Albuterol inhalers are relatively easy to operate. A spacer is recommended as it ensures the medication goes deeper into the throat rather than being dispersed in the mouth.
If youre using the inhaler for the first time or have not used it in the past 14 days, you will need to prime it by shaking the canister and pressing it down four times to clear the opening.
Then, follow these five steps:
Be sure to clean your inhaler at least once a week to prevent clogs and contamination. Just remove the canister from its holder, rinse the holder under warm water for 30 seconds, and then allow it to dry overnight.
- Visual changes
- Worsened breathing
If used excessively or for long periods of time, albuterol can lead to low potassium levels , which may be serious in people with kidney failure.
How To Prevent Asthma Attacks Without An Inhaler
Prevention is key when it comes to staving off asthma attacks so you can start to rely on your inhaler less. But theres no single best way to do it you need to find what works for you.
One thing is for sure thoughit takes a lot of work to become 100% asthma-attack free. But it can be done Im living proof .
I have stopped taking my preventative inhaler completely, and I only carry around my ventolin for emergencies now. But Ive only needed it a few times in the last few years, only when Im sick.
Heres the 5 easy and specific steps I took to get ventolin-free.
Taking the first steps, you will likely see a dramatic improvement in your asthma symptoms in a short period of time.
In my own personal experience, it was a complete change in my lifestyle that finally got me to the point where I wasnt ever having an asthma attack or reaching for my inhaler.
Every once in a while I experience a mild shortness of breath, but its never so much that I cant find relief using some simple techniques that I outline below.
Basically, I beat my asthma attacks by addressing my lack of physical activity, switching to a healthier diet and employing controlled breathing in times of need. Read on and let me take you through the basics.
Asthma Signs And Symptoms
Even if you know how to treat asthma, recognizing signs and symptoms can be beneficial. Asthma attacks happen as a response to an external trigger such as exercise or allergies. As a result, the airway becomes swollen and narrow, making it hard to breathe.
For some people, asthma is nothing more than a minor inconvenience. For others, it is a life-threatening concern that needs to be managed daily.
Symptoms of asthma include:
What To Do If You Have An Asthma Attack
If you think you’re having an asthma attack, you should:
Never be frightened of calling for help in an emergency.
Try to take the details of your medicines with you to hospital if possible.
If your symptoms improve and you do not need to call 999, get an urgent same-day appointment to see a GP or asthma nurse.
This advice is not for people on SMART or MART treatment. If this applies to you, ask a GP or asthma nurse what to do if you have an asthma attack.
About Dust Mites And Asthma
Dust mites are tiny bugs that are too small to see. Every home has dust mites. They feed on human skin flakes and are found in mattresses, pillows, carpets, upholstered furniture, bedcovers, clothes, stuffed toys, fabric, and fabric-covered items.
Body parts and droppings from dust mites can trigger asthma in individuals with allergies to dust mites. Exposure to dust mites can cause asthma in children who have not previously exhibited asthma symptoms.
Learn To Recognize Symptoms
It is important to recognize the early warning signs of an asthma attack and treat them right away. Appropriate management early on may prevent a trip to the emergency room or keep you out of the hospital.
Early warning signs of worsening asthma and an impending asthma attack include:
- A drop in peak expiratory flow rate
- Increased cough/chronic cough
- Some difficulty performing normal daily activities
- Individual factors noticed over time that indicate worsening asthma or an asthma attack
These symptoms are likely to be listed in the yellow zone of your asthma action plan, so you should deal with them accordingly. This may mean taking extra doses of rescue medication and starting a course of oral corticosteroids.
Ways To Prevent Asthma Attacks At Home
What causes his asthma attacks — and how you can stop them.
Since most asthma attacks in children are caused by an allergic reaction, there’s a lot that parents can do to prevent or reduce asthma symptoms by limiting their child’s exposure to allergens. Here are four major steps:
1. Limit dust exposure. Babies and toddlers spend eight to ten hours a day in their rooms, so removing dust from their immediate area is a great place to start. Here’s how to cut down on the dust in your child’s room.
- Remove carpets and heavy drapes
- Wash all bedding and stuffed animals frequently in hot water
- Purchase allergen-barrier coverings for the pillows and mattresses
2. Protect your child from tobacco smoke. This is a significant asthma trigger. Some people think that smoking in a different room or outside is safe enough, but tobacco smoke gets into your hair and clothes, and your child then inhales it when you pick him up and snuggle with him. Having everyone in your household quit is the best option. If that’s not possible, have smokers wear different shirts and cover their hair when they smoke.
3. Reduce or eliminate the pet factor. Many kids are allergic to pet dander. It’s best not to keep a pet at home if it triggers your child’s reactions. If that’s not possible, at least keep the cat or dog out of the baby’s room.
Healthy Kid
How To Prevent An Asthma Attack
Preventing an asthma attack is easier to do if you know what triggers your asthma.
Avoidance of the triggers can help prevent an asthma attack in many cases, says David Stempel, MD, Senior VP of Clinical and Medical Affairs at Propeller Health. Asthma attacks can be further mitigated by taking preventative medications such as inhaled corticosteroids and in some cases using a short-acting bronchodilator, like albuterol, 15 minutes prior to exposure to a trigger like exercise.
Remove Mold And Pollen:
Mold and pollen are also the common asthma triggers. How to prevent asthma attacks at home also includes removing mold from your house. So as to reduce it in your house, you need to remove household plants, avoid all the flowers whose pollen can lead to your asthma as well as maintain your house always clean and dry. In addition, you can open the window to get the new fresh air inside your house.
When To Go To The Er For Asthma
If you or someone you know are experiencing a severe asthma attack, seek medical attention immediately. Ideally, you should have already talked with your doctor to develop an asthma action plan in the case of an emergency. Otherwise, here are some common signs that indicate you should seek medical help:
- Minimal/no improvement with quick-relief inhaler use
- Abnormal shortness of breath during minimal physical exertion
- Rapid decline in breathing or wheezing
- Blue lips or fingernails
Effective Asthma Treatment In Will County & Dupage County Illinois
At Oak Brook Allergists, we create customized treatment plans for patients with asthma. We understand that no two cases are alike, and consequently, no two treatment plans should be alike. If you or your child suffers from asthma, early treatment can prevent complications, protect your lungs, and ensure that you continue to live a normal and happy life even with the condition.
Our allergists are talented, friendly, and ready to provide you and your family with the care you need. To schedule a consultation with an Oak Brook Allergist, call our clinic at 574-0460 or request an appointment now.
Asthma Triggers: Gain Control
This video features medical professionals, families and children living with asthma.
Americans spend up to 90 percent of their time indoors, and indoor allergens and irritants play a significant role in triggering asthma attacks. Triggers are things that can cause asthma symptoms, an episode or attack or make asthma worse. If you have asthma, you may react to just one trigger or you may find that several things act as triggers. Be sure to work with a doctor to identify triggers and develop a treatment plan that includes ways to reduce exposures to your asthma triggers.
On this page:
Step #4: Get Assistance
If any of the steps given above fail and you feel like your symptoms are getting aggravated even after using an inhaler, check your peak flow meter to see what your respiratory condition is. If it reads below the required reading, rush to your doctor immediately. Waiting for an asthma attack to subside on its own can only be stretched for some time. You are the best judge of its severity. So, dont take any chances prolonging the period of discomfort.
The best way to stop an asthma attack is undoubtedly preventing one in the first place. So, stay away from all the possible triggers, take your medication regularly, keep your inhaler at hand and your emergency numbers with you all the time. Avoid too much physical and mental stress and live a healthy life.
How Do You Monitor Asthma Symptoms
Monitoring your asthma symptoms is an essential piece of managing the disease. Your healthcare provider may have you use a peak flow meter. This device measures how fast you can blow air out of your lungs. It can help your provider make adjustments to your medication. It also tells you if your symptoms are getting worse.
Consider Immunotherapy Allergy Shots
If your doctor finds that you have , allergy shots may help prevent allergy symptoms and keep your asthma from getting worse. With allergy shots, the doctor injects small doses of allergens under your on a regular schedule. Over time, your body may get used to the allergen and respond less when youâre exposed. This can help keep your asthma under control.
Follow An Asthma Action Plan:
Developing an asthma action plan with your doctor can support you control your condition. The plan should document important information, such as your prescriptions, how to handle asthma attacks, and how to control your asthma indicators in the long run. Most plans detached asthma symptoms into 3 colored zones green, yellow and red to help you monitor the sternness of your symptoms.
It is a constant condition that necessitates regular monitoring and treatment. Taking control of your treatment can make you feel more in control of your condition, and life in general.
About Molds And Asthma
Molds create tiny spores to reproduce, just as plants produce seeds. Mold spores float through the indoor and outdoor air continually. When mold spores land on damp places indoors, they may begin growing. Molds are microscopic fungi that live on plant and animal matter. Molds can be found almost anywhere when moisture is present.
For people sensitive to molds, inhaling mold spores can trigger an asthma attack.
Signs Symptoms And Complications
How often signs and symptoms of asthma occur may depend on how severe, or intense, the asthma is and whether you are exposed to allergens. Some people have symptoms every day, while others have symptoms only a few days of the year. For some people, asthma may cause discomfort but does not interfere with daily activities. If you have more severe asthma, however, your asthma may limit what you are able to do.
When asthma is well controlled, a person shows few symptoms. When symptoms worsen, a person can have what is called an asthma attack, or an exacerbation. Over time, uncontrolled asthma can damage the airways in the lungs.
How To Help Someone Having An Asthma Attack Without An Inhaler
Trying to help a person struggling through an asthma attack without an inhaler can be a frightening experience, but the most important thing you can do to help is to stay calm. Aside from breathing slowly, staying calm is crucial for the person experiencing an asthma attack and you dont want to add to the stress he is experiencing.
Use Medication As Directed
Most people with asthma are prescribed at least two types of : a controller medication that is used daily to prevent inflammation and a rescue medication that is used to treat acute symptoms when they occur. Most often, these drugs are breathed in via an inhaler or nebulizer so that they go directly to the airways and lungs.
Most controller inhalers contain an inhaled corticosteroid . Your doctor will determine how often you should use one based on the severity of your asthma. If you have mild asthma, you may not need to use an ICS everyday, according to the 2020 NIH recommendations for asthma management.
If you have mild, moderate, or severe persistent asthma, you likely will need to use your controller inhaler daily to prevent symptoms.
When you begin to experience worsening of symptoms, you can use a rescue inhaler to try to nip a full-on attack in the bud. It will likely contain a short-term beta agonist such as , which works as a bronchodilator to expand the airways.
Which Asthma Medication Is Right for Your Treatment?
About Secondhand Smoke And Asthma
Secondhand smoke is the smoke from a cigarette, cigar, or pipe, that is exhaled by a smoker. Secondhand smoke contains more than 4,000 substances, including several compounds that cause cancer.
Secondhand smoke can trigger asthma episodes and increase the severity of attacks. Secondhand smoke is also a risk factor for new cases of asthma in pre-school-aged children. Children’s developing bodies may make them more susceptible to the effects of secondhand smoke. Due to their small size, they breathe more rapidly than adults, thereby taking in more secondhand smoke. Children receiving high doses of secondhand smoke, such as those with smoking parents, run the greatest relative risk of experiencing damaging health effects.
Prevention And Management Of Asthma Attacks
May 1, 2020
Asthma is a chronic condition that causes uncomfortable symptoms, such as wheezing, difficulty breathing, persistent coughing, and chest tightness, after exposure to a trigger. Over 25 million Americans have asthma, which includes children of all ages and adults. Asthma can begin at an early age or in adulthood.
The good news is, you can have a normal life despite having asthma. As long as you have a plan to prevent and manage your asthma attacks, you dont have to compromise living a full and enjoyable life. An allergist is a health specialist that can help you create an effective plan against asthma attacks, so you dont live in fear of another flareup.
Generally, heres what you can expect from typical asthma prevention and management plans.
Will Medicine Help Me Breathe Better When I Exercise
Yes. Exercising, particularly in cold air, may cause airway swelling or exercise-induced bronchoconstriction . Quick-relief asthma medicines, taken before exercise, usually control this. If you need repeated doses of quick-relief medicine during and after exercise talk with your doctor. Your medicines may need to be adjusted. Thanks to these medicines, many Olympic and professional athletes have successful sports careers even with their asthma.
It is important for everyone, including people with asthma, to be as active as possible for good health. Talk with your doctor about how you can be physically active while keeping your asthma well-controlled.
Symptoms Of An Asthma Attack
Signs that you may be having an asthma attack include:
- your symptoms are getting worse
- your reliever inhaler is not helping
- you’re too breathless to speak, eat or sleep
- your breathing is getting faster and it feels like you cannot catch your breath
- your peak flow score is lower than normal
- children may also complain of a tummy or chest ache
The symptoms will not necessarily occur suddenly. In fact, they often come on slowly over a few hours or days.
Avoid Your Asthma Triggers
Once you know what triggers your asthma, you can take steps to minimize your exposure to them. Here are some tips for avoiding some of the more common asthma triggers:
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Beware of air pollution: Stay in air-conditioned buildings when pollen counts or air pollution levels are high.
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Limit cold air exposure: Dress warmly and cover your mouth and nose with a scarf when it is cold and windy.
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Quit : If you smoke, ask your doctors for ways to quit and avoid secondhand smoke.
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Reduce stress: Take steps to manage your stress, such as practicing controlled breathing, getting a massage, and taking time to unwind.
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Stay healthy: Try to get plenty of rest, eat a well-balanced diet, and wash your hands often to prevent respiratory infections.
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Watch what you eat: Read food labels and avoid foods to which you are allergic.
Your home may be the source of a number of asthma triggers. Take steps to keep your home free of common allergens including:
Don’t let asthma slow you down. There are many proven ways to prevent asthma attacks. Take your medicine as recommended by your doctor. Identify your asthma triggers and take steps to avoid them. And talk to your doctor about any concerns you have.
Pay Attention To The Weather:
For many asthma patients, the weather conditions have serious affect on their disease. The weather is extremely too hot, too humid or poor air also can make asthma symptoms become seriously. In order to minimize the bad affect from the environment on your asthma, you need to limit your outdoor activities if the weather is not good for your disease.
Medical History And Physical Exam
Your doctor will ask about your risk factors for asthma and your . They may ask also about any known allergies. This includes how often symptoms occur, what seems to trigger your symptoms, when or where symptoms occur, and if your symptoms wake you up at night.
During the physical exam, your doctor may:
- Listen to your breathing and look for of asthma
- Look for allergic skin conditions, such as eczema
Effective Ways To Treat Asthma At Home
In people with asthma, the airways become narrow and produce a lot of mucus. It triggers difficulty in breathing, wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath. Several factors can increase the risk of suffering from asthma. Some of the risk factors include having a blood relative with asthma, smoking, being overweight, and passive smoking. For some people, asthma doesnt pose many problems. However, there are others who suffer from asthma attacks.
Are you tired of having to latch on to your inhaler and your asthma medications? Do not let them go just yet. Make a few changes to your lifestyle see your symptoms ease up a lot.
10 Home Remedies for Asthma are:
Monitor Your Peak Flow
Checking your peak expiratory flow rate a measure of how quickly your lungs expel air during a forceful exhalation after you fully inhaleis key to asthma attack prevention. PEFR is determined using a simple handheld device called a peak flow meter.
Depending on the severity of your asthma, your doctor may want you to check your peak flow several times a day, once a day, every few days, or just at certain times.
The most common recommendation is once a day in the morning before taking your asthma medication.
If your peak flow numbers are declining, your asthma is getting worse and you need to act quickly to prevent an attack. Follow the instructions in your asthma action plan to prevent the symptoms from becoming more severe and turning into a full-blown attack.
Why and How to Measure Peak Flow
Ways To Reduce Asthma Triggers
A little prep can go a long way toward making your home safe for family members with asthma.
1. Track it
Keep a log of when your child has difficulty breathing so you can look for patterns, Dr. Thakur says. Do they have attacks whenever theyre near your cat? Do most flare-ups strike when theyre in bed? Jot down the details, and share them with your doctor to help identify possible causes of asthma attacks.
2. Get tested
If youre having trouble seeing patterns, ask your doctor about allergy testing. Such tests can help pinpoint whether your kiddo is reacting to pet dander or struggling with mold exposure.
3. Make the bed
Stuffed animals, pillows and blankets can collect a lot of dust . Anything that harbors dust can trigger allergies, Dr. Thakur says. Take steps to asthma-proof the bedroom:
- Wash bedding and pillows frequently in hot water.
- Remove stuffed animals from the bed .
- Use hypoallergenic mattress and pillow covers.
4. Tidy up
You dont have to be a perfect housekeeper, but its good to keep dust levels in check. Vacuum rugs regularly. Mop hard floors to clear dust and pet dander. If cockroaches or mice are a problem, keep food securely stored and look into pest control options.
5. Pet-proof your place
6. Skip the smoke
Breathing second or thirdhand smoke even old smoke on someones clothes can increase the risk of asthma attacks, Dr. Thakur says. Family members who smoke should smoke outside and change their clothes when they come back in.
7. Manage mold