Asthma attack - its symptoms and asthma treatment
Spot someone suffering an asthma attack - here's how to
help them breathe easy
Asthma Attacks - What You Can Do by :
Daniel Lanicek
When a person with asthma experiences a sudden worsening of his or
her asthma symptoms it is called an asthma attack. During an asthma
attack, the smooth muscles around the bronchial tubes in the lungs
contract, making the airway openings more narrow. Less air can flow
through these openings and inflammation of the lungs is a result. This
inflammation quickly increases and the airways become more swollen.
Mucus production by the cells in the airways increases more than usual
and this narrows the airways even further. These changes to the
airways cause the symptoms of asthma, notably wheezing and difficulty
in breathing.
When you are with someone who is having an asthma attack there are
things you can do to help them. First of all you should remove the
victim from the cause of the attack. This will be a certain allergen
such as pollen in the air or on the skin, smoke, or other strong
odors. Keep the victim calm, comfortable, and sitting upright.
If the asthma attack victim has not already used a rescue inhaler, ask
the person if he or she has an inhaler and assist the victim with the
inhaler, if necessary. A rescue inhaler is the best first aid for
asthma attacks. It is important that you use the rescue inhaler
prescribed to the asthma attack victim and not use someone else's
inhaler.
In the event that there is no rescue inhaler to use or if the asthma
symptoms do not improve after administering the inhaler, you can also
use steam to help the victim. Run very hot water from a faucet and
have the person inhale the steam being careful not to touch the
scalding water. Help the victim focus on their breathing and pucker
their lips when he or she exhales.
If an asthma attack is severe then it may be possible that all of the
preceding steps will not decrease the asthma symptoms. In this event,
or when a rescue inhaler is not present, you may need to call for
emergency medical help. The information given here is not intended as
a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. If someone
you know or love has asthma it is important to learn all you can about
this condition so that you can help the person in the event of an
asthma attack.
About the
author
Daniel Lanicek is an life long sufferer of asthma on a mission
to heighten world awareness of asthma. Over 14 million people in the
United States alone suffer from
asthma and there are ways you can help.
Learn more about asthma at
www.asthmaexplained.com
Source:
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