How to Relieve Asthma Symptoms at Home in Case of an Emergency? Tips to Handle the Situation Until Help Arrives!
During the COVID-19 pandemic, even a slight asthma attack can be particularly scary. First, the healthcare system is overburdened. Second, no one wants to risk getting exposed to the deadly virus in clinics and hospitals. Plus, if you’ve asthma, you’re at higher risk of the disease. It is more important no than ever, to be able to tackle sudden asthma attacks in case of an emergency until medical help arrives.
Keep inhaler handy
If you or anyone in your family gets an asthma attack, you must act fast to relieve symptoms. Always keep the inhaler handy, so you can take one puff every 30-60 seconds whenever you get an attack. Keep inhaling till you feel the attack is subsiding. However, be sure not to take more than 10 puffs at a time. If your breathing difficulty continues, seek medical help.
Sit Up
If your symptoms persist after taking the inhaler, sit straight up till medical help arrives. Panicking can make matters worse. Your symptoms can also aggravate when you lie down, so either sit or stand. Sitting straight up opens the airways, and this makes the airflow easy through the lungs.
Try deep breathing
Deep breathing can keep the airways open for a longer time, making it more comfortable for you to breathe. You can also breathe in through the nose and breathe out through pursued lips ensure that your exhalation is longer than your inhalation.
Always be alert of the symptoms like coughing, wheezing and a tight feeling in the chest. You may also find it difficult to speak, eat or sleep. All attacks may not require medical attention but of you feel that your condition has become worse, seek help immediately. While there is no cure for asthma, you can work towards keeping the symptoms under control.