What to do in an asthma attack?

Question

I have asthma and recently it has been getting really bad, i have to take my reliever medication many times aday. but i hate taking it in front of other people, i am really self conscious, scared of what they will think, i don't want everybody to be asking me loads of questions. but the other day i passed out because i could not breathe, and did not want to show it. What can i do?

Answer 1

Well friend , as a chest physician I just have to say 2 things to you...

1) Reliever medication ( Inhaler ) is the only answer for immediate relief. But plz dont be self conscious as it doesn't matter what others think, what does matter is that you can breathe properly ... and to all the questions ... just say you are having an allergic response , and this will take care of it... That's all there is to it... Don't be scared, itz just like a pill somebody takes for a headache etc... same thing... quick relief...!!!
But plz make sure you take your inhaler correctly as described below :-

* First, shake the inhaler.
* Breathe out slowly, all the way.
* Put the mouthpiece of the inhaler in your mouth or 2 inches away (about half a finger's length), or use the spacer (a piece of plastic-like tubing that attaches to the inhaler).
* Breathe in and push down on the inhaler at the same time (to create the mist).
* Hold your breath for about 10 seconds.
* Breathe out slowly through puckered lips or through your nose.
* If you need to take 2 puffs, wait 2 to 5 seconds before taking the second one.
* Gargling after using your inhaler may reduce the amount of burning in your throat.

When you have an attack, Use your inhaler. If this does not help, repeat the inhaler one more time after waiting the number of minutes recommended by your doctor. If the second try doesn't work, check to see whether the inhaler is empty. It's empty if it floats in a bowl of water.
Also It may help your breathing if you straddle a chair backwards, placing your elbows up on the back of the chair.

2) Now the more important part - why are you having these attacks... That means your asthma is not controlled properly
.With proper treatment, you will have fewer and less severe attacks

There must be other medications (Preventives) prescribed by your doctor, plz take your medicine as directed by your doctor. If you feel it is not helping, call your doctor. Do not quit taking it on your own.
Also do the following-:
-Try to avoid pollen, dust, animals, molds, smoke, and anlything else that could cause an attack.
-Keep the amount of dust in your home at a minimum. One way is to hire a company to clean out the air ducts and vents in your house.
-Replace your pillows or mattress with materials that don't cause allergies. Look for bedding that is made of ""urethane'' or foam rubber and is labeled ""nonallergenic.''
- If you do not have to limit the amount of liquids you drink, drink 8 to 10 (soda-can sized) glasses of water each day. This helps thin the sputum so it can be coughed up more easily.
- If animals are the cause of your asthma, you may need to find another home for your pets.
- Quit smoking. It harms the lungs. If you are having trouble quitting, ask your doctor for help.
-Excess weight can make the heart and lungs work harder. If you need to lose weight, ask your doctor for the plan that's best for you.

Answer 2

Never mind about other people but do mind that you take your inhaler.

I do not know what inhaler you have been given but the fact that your attacks are getting worse could indicate that you may require a preventative inhaler, which is different from your reliever.

The idea is that you take recommened measured daily puffs say two puffs and that eventually it will reduce the need to take your reliever so often.

The preventative is normally of the steriod type and can be very effective at controlling your asthma and I would suggest that you go and speak to either your doctor or the practice nurse at the surgery you attend.

I am sure with a little tweeking of your medication your condition will improve dramatically. But you need to be proactive in helping with this improvement i.e. speak to your doc.

Ignore people just imagine how ill you would be if you denied yourself your inhaler just because you feel conscious about taking it. You can always turn your back on them.

All the very best and above all try not to worry too much it will come right for you but do not neglect your health.

Answer 3

First, many of us have asthma so you don't need to feel self-conscious. Most people have seen asthmatics use their inhaler so it's not something weird. Now, medication doesn't seem to be very effective! You need to tell your doctor. Have you been tested for allergies? When I developed asthma I was prescribed medication and an inhaler - the usual stuff - but it reached the point the medications weren't working very well so I was tested for allergies. Guess what? I had pretty severe allergies that had not been diagnosed. I started allergy shots was able, soon after, to stop the medications and inhaler. I took shots for 10 years and improved to the point I no longer need them. My asthma is now very, very mild and I rarely have a mild attack. But, when I do I'm able to control it by willing myself to relax and not try to over breathe. It's a mental thing. I've also found that if I put my arms over my head it opens up my chest and lungs so I can breathe easier.
Good luck...and see your doctor!

Answer 4

I am not a doctor but I play one on TV. No just kidding, but I do have asthma. If you are using your inhaler that frequently then I would suggest talking to your doctor. Pretty Quickly. See if there is some sort of maintenance drug that would work for you such as Advair or Sporiva. These medications are designed to be taken daily to aleviate asthma related symptoms and hopefully lessen the necessity of using your albuterol inhaler. Keep in mind the albuterol is not intended to be used so frequently. Good luck!

Answer 5

Go to your doctor and tell them your asthma is NOT under control. You should be able to control your asthma not have your asthma control you. There is a purple discus inhaler called advair. It helps in conjunction with a pill called singulair (used for allergies as well). The advair is taken twice a day to control your asthma so you use your reliever medication less often. Ask your doctor about these medications to see if they are right for you. Maybe you need a nebulizer machine? Who knows for sure...but be sure to talk this over with your doctor.

Answer 6

You must use your inhalers regularly. Asthma is a very common condition, and your mates will understand. People can and do die of asthma. Don't put yourself at risk because of unnecessary pride. You should maybe check with your doctor to see that you're on the most effective medication.

Answer 7

I knew a 15 year old girl that felt as you have described. she went out leaving her inhaler at home. She had an asthmatic attack whilst out that lead to respiratory arrest and then cardiac arrest. She was revived by paramedics but was left brain dead. She was then a vegetable in hospital for 9 months until she died of pneumonia. All because she , too, was worried what her Friends would think of her having to use inhalers. She paid the price with her life leaving her family devastated

She was a beautiful girl. She was the first child i nursed. And i have never forgotten her. that was over 18 years ago.

USE YOUR INHALERS

Answer 8

I have asthma and if it was effecting me like that I would take my inhaler anywhere don,t be embarrassed about it cause it has to done imagine if it was a lot worse and they couldn,t wake you up it could be devastating to you and your family. My aunt died she had a massive asthma attack, she had a daughter of 2 years old she left behind she was brought up by my other aunt she didn,t have no recollection of her mum at all. So take the advice and take the inhaler when you need it better be safe than sorry. I had one when I was pregnant it was terrifying so please take your necessary.

Answer 9

You have to relax and think about feeling better when an attack comes on. It's really important to take medication when you're having an attack, regardless of who's about. I had the same problem and one day I was on a bus when I had a really bad attack. I thought I'd rather take my medicine than collapse in front of everyone.

Answer 10

Regardless of how you feel about taking your meds around other people, you have to, otherwise your symptoms, and effects can get worse, even become fatal, I myself do not have asthma, but my cousin has it, it's very severe, she, like you, doesn't like taking medication around people, this problem sent her to the emergency room, and almost killed her. It's imperative that you take your meds, everyday, when ever you are supposed to, no matter who is around, if they ask questions, tell them, you have asthma, that's the end of it. It's none of their business, unless you want it to be.