i recently discovered my step daughter has asthma and i was wondering if anyone can tell me what to do in an emergency if she starts having an asthma attack! she is only 5 years old! thank you for all your answers!
2007-03-16 22:21:36 · 5 answers · asked by ? 3 in Health ➔ Other - Health
OK if you don't have an inhaler or albuterol...here is what EMT's do....they try to get her to calm down........get really close to her ear and talk to her calmly so her world seems smaller and she can control herself...then have her purse her lips and breathe in and out like she is pretending to breathe into a straw...apparently in an asthma attack people can get their breath in but not out...so the pursed breathing makes you or forces you to think and control your exhalation... try to get her to be calm...its very scary for her and you...and get help ...911
2007-03-16 22:41:04 · answer #1 · answered by Olive 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
WARNING: DO NOT RELY ON 911 OR AN AMBULANCE TO REACH AN ASTHMA ATTACK VICTIM IN TIME!
Seeing as how you can DIE from an asthma attack within minutes, I would definitely have the inhaler on hand (prescribed by your pediatrician...) Asthma can go from mild to bad to life-threatening in a matter of minutes, so don't think it's safe to ignore or hope it doesn't happen. There are different degrees of asthma and only a doctor can tell you the answers to this.
Your step daughter is very lucky to have you for a mom. You seem like a person who will do the right thing where she is concerned.
2007-03-17 05:45:32 · answer #2 · answered by Evil Wordmonger, LTD LOL 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If this is a diagnosis from a physician then you should have been given a prescription for an inhaler. If it's a mild attack the inhaler may be all that is needed. If it is more severe or you have doubts you should call 911. Paramedics carry stronger medicine, oxygen and treatment to address this condition. Don't drive her to an emergency room by car. While waiting for an ambulance you can go into the bathroom and turn on the shower with hot water to build up steam. That environment will help while you are waiting. I would call the pediatrician regardless for direction and peace of mind. Keeping the child calm is paramount as the anxiety can make the condition worse. It can be triggered from many things; injury, emotion, excercise, smells etc. I hope this helps.
Paramedic from Massachusetts
2007-03-17 08:59:04 · answer #3 · answered by Frogy22 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
First and foremost, get a prescription inhaler from your pediatrician and have it with you at all times. It can and will save her life if she ever has an attack.
2007-03-17 05:25:10 · answer #4 · answered by knowmeansknow 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If she has an inhlaler tell her to use it.
2007-03-17 05:26:39 · answer #5 · answered by country kid 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋