Asthma is a syndrome where your airways of lungs become narrower and also p[roduce extra mucus. This, in turn, makes your breathing difficulty with wheezing or coughing. Asthma cannot be cured. It can be kept under control. Asthma symptoms become severe with the season or with environmental factors like dust, molds, spores, pollens, smokes, etc. Many people have minor asthma while some have severe asthma and need regular medicine. Asthma patients often take inhalers or oral medicines.
Pregnant women who have records of asthma or are asthma patients need to be careful. They can encounter worse symptoms during pregnancy. If they are taking Singulair during pregnancy they need to visit their doctor for further problems.
Signs of Asthma Attack
Usually, asthma attacks are minor but it can be dangerous if it remains untreated. During asthma attacks, the airways become swollen and narrowed. They also get inflammation. Due to this, the muscles surrounding the airways contract and produce extra mucus. Hence, breathing becomes very difficult.
Patients who get frequent asthma attacks must keep their inhalers and emergency medicines handy so that they can get relief in such situations. Pregnant patients also need to follow this step. They can continue medicines like Singular in Pregnancy with their doctor’s permission.
Signs of Asthma Attacks
- Shortness o breath or ragged of breath and breathing becomes extremely difficult
- Coughing that does not stop
- Wheezing sound whenever the patient tries to inhale or exhale
- Excessive sweat
- Pale face
- Difficulty in talking
How to Control the situation?
If you have your inhaler with you then tale a shot as soon as possible. If you use oral medicines then take your prescribed dose and wait till the attack comes down. But if you have forgotten the inhaler or medicine or you do not have them it will be better if you stop panicking. There are certain techniques which can help you in emergencies. Try these and wait. If the attack does not down ask someone to call for medical help or an ambulance.
- Take long and deep breaths
Asthma attacks happen when your breathing becomes shortened. Hence, take long and deep breaths. This will make the ragged breathing slower and will prevent hyperventilation. Try to breathe in through your nose and exhale through your mouth.
- Stay relaxed and calm
You need to stay calm and relaxed. This prevents your chest muscles from tightening more and also makes your breathing comfortable.
- Sit upright
You need to sit upright as soon as you get your attack. This will help you to breathe easily.
- Go away from the attack trigger
The truth is your asthma attacks are triggered by factors like spores, pollens, foods, molds, smokes, gases, chemicals like ammonia, Sulphur dioxide or chlorine gas, etc.; cockroach wastes or even stressful situations. You need to get away from these factors as soon as you get attacks.
- Go to an air-conditioned place so that you feel comfortable.
- You can try a hot caffeinated beverage to get some instant relief.
You will be able to prevent your asthma attacks with these techniques. But, always remember to keep your medicines or inhaler with you so that you can control the attack.
