Before we move onto what to do when caught in the midst of an Asthma attack, let us understand what Asthma is (for the benefit of the ones who don’t know about it but want to help someone under an attack).

Asthma is a breathing disorder, characterized mostly by wheezing. It is an inflammatory illness that lasts forever, but it can be controlled if proper care is taken. It is caused when the human body’s airways start to become sensitive to allergens (allergy inducing substance). The problem in the airways could be caused because of several reasons. Often, the inside layers of the airways begin to swell, get inflamed and the surrounding muscles begin to tighten. More mucus gets produced and mucus plugs are formed. All these factors often make the airways thinner, thereby hindering the process of breathing and showing the very symptoms of asthma. Allergens like pollen, dust, tobacco smoke, etc. cause the airways to expand and contract, ultimately causing wheezing, which is also followed by cough and breathing difficulties.

On the outset, Asthma may appear like yet another low-trouble causing respiratory problems like bronchitis, emphysema, etc. In fact, asthma is often not diagnosed properly and many people don’t know that they even have it. So, it’s always best that you consult a Doctor, in addition to following this informative guide.

Just read the following guide carefully, and take due care while performing every step. It is always better to see it being done by an expert (practically) before you attempt doing it yourself.

How to Control:

1. When a person is under the attack, make him / her sit up straight, in a way comfortable for him / her. Try to be calm with the person, and stay supportive.

2. Give the person about four puffs of a blue Reliever inhaler. The inhaler could be any among Airomir, Asmol, Ventolin, or Bricanyl. Relievers often work best when given with the help of a spacer.

3. Use only one puff at once and ask the person to breathe well 4 times using the spacer after every puff given. It is advisable that you use the inhaler belonging to the person. If that is not possible, it is good to use an inhaler from a First Aid kit. Alternatively, you can use someone else’s inhaler if hygiene has already been taken care of.

4. Wait for about 3 – 5 minutes. If the person’s situation doesn’t improve, give four additional puffs.

5. If there is no improvement still, immediately call a clinic / healthcare center and get their ambulance coming to the rescue. However, continue to give four puffs with an interval of 4 minutes or so, unless the ambulance arrives.Note: Four puffs each time is usually a safe dose for children. However, for adult patients, 6 – 8 puffs can be given every 5 minutes if the attack is severe.

Shake the inhaler well. Then, insert the mouthpiece into the spacer. Next, place the spacer mouthpiece in the mouth (of the person) and give him / her one puff. Give a puff as the patient inhales / breathes gradually but steadily. Ask the patient to inhale and exhale for 4 breaths, normally. Better yet, ask the patient to hold his / her breath for 3 – 4 seconds before taking an equal number of normal breaths.

You are suggested to repeat the above process until you’ve given four puffs to the patient.

One last thing to remember, though – Asthma is not a contagious disease. So, go ahead and do all you can to help a person under an attack, instead of staying away. You’ll feel good you could help save someone from suffering.

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