Home Remedies For Asthma Attack Without Inhaler
Living with asthma is something that under 8%¹ of Americans experience yearly. Since there isn’t a cure for asthma, it is critical to understand how to manage it when attacks happen and what signs of those asthma attacks could be. In 2020, there were 1,803,554 asthma attacks in people under 18 alone.
Have you considered clinical trials for Asthma?
We make it easy for you to participate in a clinical trial for Asthma, and get access to the latest treatments not yet widely available – and be a part of finding a cure.
Other Asthma First Aid Directions
Not everyone with asthma uses the same reliever medication.
Some people use a different blue reliever called Bricanyl which comes in a different type of inhaler called a Turbuhaler.
See the asthma first aid steps for those using Bricanyl.
Other people use a dual-purpose reliever. A dual-purpose reliever contains budesonide and formoterol together, and is used as-needed.
The combination of budesonide and formoterol in the dual-purpose reliever, when used as-needed, relieves symptoms and reduces risk of experiencing serious asthma flare-ups. It does this by relaxing tight airway muscles and treating inflammation in the airways.
Note: you may also be prescribed these medicines as a preventer. Always follow your doctors instructions on your asthma action plan about what to use in an asthma flare-up or asthma attack.
How To Treat An Asthma Attack
Wondering how to treat an asthma attack? Below are some general guidelines recommended by doctors, however, remember that the best way to deal with an acute episode is to follow the instructions given by your doctor .
If you experience an acute episode of asthma:
Also Check: Can Asthma Ever Go Away
Managing An Asthma Attack
While waiting for assistance, things you can do during an asthma attack if you dont have your medication include:
Additionally, there are many things that you can do in general to lessen the likelihood and severity of asthma attacks.
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Take a fish oil supplement
- Take antihistamines if your trigger is an allergen.
- Wear protective masks if the pollen count is high or there are harmful fumes in the air.
- Practice relaxation techniques like yoga breathing and meditation.
- Use a hot water humidifier
Whats The Best Body Position For An Asthma Attack
Generally speaking, sitting up straight is the best position for an asthma attack. This is because sitting up allows air to more effectively enter your lungs while bending over or lying down may constrict your breathing.
A 2017 study investigated lung function in a small group of 20 people with asthma. Lung function was found to be highest when participants were in the standing position, followed by the sitting position. Function was lowest when participants were lying down.
Another investigated the effect of body positioning on the lung function of healthy people and those with certain health conditions. In people with lung diseases like asthma, lung function was found to be higher in more erect positions.
Also Check: North Texas Allergy And Asthma Associates Plano Tx
What Are Asthma Attack Symptoms
People with asthma are usually familiar with the symptoms of asthma attacks, which can include shortness of breath , chest pain, chest tightness, wheezing, coughing, fast heart rate, and a low score on the peak flow meter .
Severe asthma attacks are a medical emergency. You should call 911 or seek emergency medical attention from a medical professional if:
- you have severe shortness of breath
- your symptoms continue to worsen even after treatment
- you are unable to speak, or short sentences leave you breathless
- you need to strain your chest muscles to breathe
- your lips or face have a bluish tinge
- you are starting to feel drowsy or fatigued
Is It Possible To Stop Asthma Attack Without An Inhaler
As per the World Health Organization, asthma can be defined as a chronic condition “characterized by recurrent attacks of breathlessness and wheezing, which vary in severity and frequency from person to person.
Symptoms may occur several times in a day or week in affected individuals, and for some people become worse during physical activity or at night.”
During an asthma attack, the lining of the individual’s bronchial tubes swell. This causes the airways of the individual to narrow and reduces the flow of the air that travels in and out of the lungs.
An asthma attack can range from mild to severe depending on the severity of the condition. The most reliable way to deal with an asthma attack is to use a rescuer inhaler . An asthmatic must always carry an inhaler and use the medication as recommended by their doctor. In addition to that, few steps mentioned below can be considered for added advantage.
1. Adjust The Position
Different positions and postures can influence the opening and narrowing of the airways. It is important that the individual either sits up straight or stands up straight as this will open up the airways and help alleviate some of the asthma symptoms. Do note that under no circumstances should the individual lie down as this could worsen their symptoms.
2. Take A Deep Breath
3. Identify The Trigger
4. Making an Effort to be Calm
5. Look Up The Nearest Hospital/Emergency Room
Recommended Reading: Can Asthma Cause Tingling Hands
What To Do If You Have An Asthma Attack
If you think youre 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.
How To Treat An Asthma Attack Without An Inhaler
You should always take your medication even when you feel your condition has improved. Asthma requires consistent care and proper management, so you need to have an inhaler to use when you experience an attack. But what should you do if you dont have an inhaler when you have an asthma attack?
Here’s how to treat an asthma attack if you dont have your inhaler:
Read Also: Is Allergy Induced Asthma The Same As Asthma
How To Control An Asthma Attack When Caught Without An Inhaler
Breathing is so automatic for most people that we hardly ever give it a second thought. If you have asthma, or if your child has asthma, though, you never take breathing for granted.
When you suffer from asthma, your airways narrow and swell and can even produce extra mucus, all of which make breathing difficult. Asthma can also cause lots of wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath.
This is especially true if you experience a full-blown asthma attack. Most people with asthma try to keep a rescue inhaler with them so they can have quick access to medicine such as albuterol, which can control their symptoms.
But what if you have an asthma attack while you dont have your inhaler with you? This can be a dangerous situation, but at Sulkowski Family Medicine, weve learned a few tips over the years that can help you out. Heres what we recommend:
What Should Be Done If There Is No Inhaler During Asthma Attacks
If a person has asthma, it is very important to keep an inhaler on hand when they have difficulty breathing. Even then, many people forget to carry inhalers in many situations this article may help to overcome such situations.
Some of the things to be kept in mind during such a situation are:
1) Keep Calm – Stay as calm as possible while having an asthma attack. Stress and anxiety can worsen the symptoms. While waiting for the symptoms to subside or for a medical team to arrive, it may be helpful to play some music or turn on the television to make the patient calm down.
2) Sitting Upright – If the person is sitting in an upright position, it helps to keep their airways open so the breathing will be as unobstructed as possible. Avoid lying down during an asthma attack, as this can worsen the symptoms.
4) Focus On Breathing – There are different breathing methods to practice that may also help reduce asthma symptoms, and it will also be helpful during an asthma attack.
5) Use Eucalyptus Oil – Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil to a bowl of boiled water and breathe in the steam this will help clear out blocked passageways and mucus.
6) Try Mustard Oil – Using warmed-up mustard oil can reduce breathing trouble. This oil opens the passageways and helps the lungs work after rubbing it onto the chest. It is safe, so it is advisable to use it as much as needed to feel better.
Physiotherapy
Also Check: Are Chihuahuas Good For Asthma
If Your Doctor Advises It Take Pseudoephedrine
If your doctor has recommended an over-the-counter medication containing pseudoephedrine, take the dosage he or she advises. It can help relieve allergy-induced asthma effectively while reducing nasal congestion so you can begin to breathe through your nose to get oxygen to your lungs. It is very important to be aware of the side effects the medication could cause.
If it could interact with any other health condition or medications, choose another remedy for relief. Either way, consult your physician!
How Do I Open My Airways
If you have asthma, the best way to keep your airways open is to use your asthma medications as directed by your doctor. These medications can open your airways using a variety of mechanisms, including relaxing airway muscles or reducing inflammation.
Long-term control medications can help prevent the airways from narrowing and leading to asthma symptoms. When asthma symptoms do occur, quick-relief medications like your rescue inhaler can help to quickly open your airways.
In addition to using your asthma medications as directed, some other things that may help to open your airways include practicing breathing exercises or trying steam inhalation.
Recommended Reading: What Is Maintenance Medication For Asthma
Know Your Triggers And Get Away/stay Away From Them
Get Away: In case of an attack, ease symptoms by getting as far away as possible from whats triggering you. Dont be afraid to ask for help if you cant get there on your own.Stay Away: Avoid triggers by:
- Quitting smoking or staying away from smokers
- Finding out what you are allergic to and avoiding it
- Warming up slowly before exercise
- Avoiding emotional stress by learning relaxation techniques
See Dr. Mayank Shukla for asthma treatment in Queens to find out what your triggers are.
Symptoms Of An Asthma Attack
If you have not experienced an asthma attack, there are some symptoms and signs to look for to know it is happening.
Coughing will start to increase as the obstruction happens.
Gasping for air and shortness of breath will happen almost instantly.
Complaints of chest pain or tightness when trying to breathe.
Children may start to wheeze.
Those using a peak flow meter³ will have lower readings before the attack.
The truth is that asthmatic people can experience one, multiple, or even all of these symptoms when having an attack.
Don’t Miss: Does Asthma Ever Go Away In Adults
Who Can Get Asthma
Anyone can develop asthma at any age. People with allergies or people exposed to tobacco smoke and secondhand smoke are more likely to develop asthma.
Statistics show women tend to have asthma more than men, and asthma affects Black Americans more frequently than other races.
When a child develops asthma, healthcare providers call it childhood asthma. If it develops later in life, its adult-onset asthma.
Children do not outgrow asthma. They may have fewer symptoms as they get older, but they could still have an asthma attack. Your childs healthcare provider can help you understand the risks.
Relax In A Hot Steamy Shower Or Bath
If you have no rescue inhaler when wheezing and coughing starts up, relax in a hot, steamy shower or bath immediately. Steam will soothe your airways, relieve chest congestion and loosen thick mucus so you can breathe freely again.
If a hot, steamy shower or bath is not an option, consider gently placing your face over a pot of water and breathing in the steam from it. It will work the same wayjust be careful not to burn yourself.
Read Also: Bronkaid Max Asthma Relief Reviews
Monitor The Person Until Well Or When Help Arrives
Monitor closely on persons breathing rate, heart rate, lip colour, and whether they are losing attention or not. Generally, if the asthma is improving, the persons breathing slows down to normal, and he/she is able to speak in full sentences without finding themselves out of breath.
However, if the person is becoming less aware of the surrounding, very out of breath, very shallow and rapid pulse, and lips turning pale or even blue, you would want to find ways to get medical help faster! If the person collapsed and stop breathing, lie the person down and start doing CPR until help arrives.
Tips For When You Dont Have An Inhaler
Mild to moderate asthma attacks can occur at inopportune times. You may be able to manage your asthma more effectively with these tips. If these dont work CALL AN AMBULANCE.
Recommended Reading: How Does One Develop Asthma
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.
Causes Of An Asthma Attack
An asthma attack results from swelling of the small tubes that allow air movement through the lungs. The bronchi become inflamed and more sensitive when you experience an asthma attack. There is no definitive answer to what causes this inflammatory process, and it is an area of active investigation.
New observations suggest that the origins of this chronic condition primarily occur during childhood².
Asthma develops because of particular genetic and environmental exposures. An asthma attack occurs when you get exposed to an asthma triggera factor that can set off or worsen asthma symptoms. Triggers include allergens such as:
-
Certain medicines
-
Infections such as flu and colds
Occupational factors such as breathing industrial or chemical dust at work can also trigger an asthma attack.
Recommended Reading: Can Untreated Asthma Cause Fatigue
Of : Taking Medications
Contact Doctor During Office Hours
- Donât have written asthma action plan from your doctor
- Use an inhaler, but donât have a spacer
- Miss more than 1 day of school per month for asthma
- Asthma limits exercise or sports
- Asthma attacks wake child up from sleep
- Use more than 1 inhaler per month
- No asthma check-up in more than 1 year
- You have other questions or concerns
Also Check: How Much Compensation Do You Get For Occupational Asthma
You May Like: How To Stop Having Asthma