Are there any life-saving techniques for someone having an asthma attack?

Question

I would like to know what you can do to save someone who is having a major attack, and they either do not have an enhaler handy, or they are too far gone and the enhaler doesn't help. I know you call 911 first (had to put that because I know some smarty-pants would say it) . Thanks!!

Answer 1

if an asthma attack is too far gone for the inhaler, well that attack has been going on for too long, it should never get to that point, the moment the inhaler doesnt help with the attack you should be calling 911 and asking for paramedics, the best thing to say is an asthma attack/resp distress. as for alternative methods, in a dire situation, i've heard of and seen ppl wet a thin piece of cloth like from a tee shirt and put it in front of their face with a portable fan. the mositure and contant flow from the fan calmed things down til ems arrival, but like i said, it should NEVER be allowed to get to that point and if you fear a near deadly asthma attack you need a diff inhaler and need to keep supplies in your home provided by an MD

Answer 2

The best thing anyone can do is always be prepared and having their medication with them at all times,and avoiding common causes of an asthma attack. Avoiding areas with pet dander,dust and other indoor pollution sources,keeping yourself out of the hot humid summer air,with high humidities and smog etc.If you are friends with this person,remind her to have her inhalers and meds handy along with her MD's phone #'s etc,or don't go out with him or her !.Never allow an asthma patient to wait too long before you summon help,call 911 ASAP,it won't ever be a mistake,their life will depend on it. Always err on the side of caution.You can't perform rescue breathing with an asthmatic because the small air tubes are in spasm and are constricted tightly, causing that horrible "wheezing" sounds. You are a great friend to do the asking,just insist that the friend will always stay safe,and have the meds close by. Take care. SW FNP

Answer 3

How nice of you to be concerned! The best thing is trying to keep the person calm as you can, which is very difficult, cause not being able to breath is very scary. Minimize stimulation, get the crowd away, and have one or two people ALWAYS stay by their side until help arrives. The only other thing todo, is to know CPR, cause if they pass out, that's what will be needed. I know of a girl who had such a bad asthmatic attack, that her dad who was a nurse and knows CPR couldn't even help with mouth to mouth, cause her lungs were so constricted, it was difficult to get air in. She later died from lack of oxygen to the brain. So, the best thing is to tell whoever to NEVER run out of inhaler,make sure they take all medicines as prescribed, even the maintanence ones. And to make sure they seek help EARLY if having trouble. It's easier to 'turn someone around' when they are early in their distress, verses later when they are ready to quit breathing!

Answer 4

My ex husband was born with a horrible horrible case of asthma, his lungs were very under developed, still are..he use to put his head in a freezer or in front of an air conditioner to calm himself..also hot black cup of coffee if they can swallow it will help open the bronchial tubes. other than that make sure they have there meds, usually an asthma attack needs to be left untreated for it to be deadly.