Asthma Attack: First Aid & What to Do Without an Inhaler

Clinical review: Manuel Reis
Registered Nurse
January 2023

To relieve an asthma attack, it is important to remain calm in a comfortable position and to use your inhaler. 

If your inhaler is not close by, you should call for medical assistance. Try to keep calm and remain in the same position until your breathing gets under control or until medical assistance arrives. 

Asthma attacks can be identified by distinct symptoms like difficulty breathing and purple lips. Some dietary changes can help to prevent frequent attacks. 

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First aid for asthma attacks 

To help someone experiencing an asthma attack, you can: 

  1. Soothe the person and help them get into a comfortable position.
  2. Ask the person to lean forward slightly, and to rest their elbows on the back of a chair to help them breathe better.
  3. Check if the person as asthma medication on them, like an inhaler, and offer assistance in preparing it for use.
  4. Call an ambulance if the person stops breathing or does not have their inhaler close by.

If the person faints and stops breathing, call for help, and start CPR or other life-saving measures until professional help arrives. 

What do to if you don’t have an inhaler nearby 

In some cases, a rescue inhaler may not be readily available. If you are experiencing an asthma attack and do not have your medication, be sure to remain in the same spot while you wait for medical assistance. This will help to conserve your energy and your reduced oxygen levels to maintain normal organ functioning.

You can also loosen any tight clothing that may be obstructing your breathing. Try to remain calm and breathe slowly, breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth until your doctor arrives. 

How to prevent

Para evitar as crises de asma é importante identificar quais os fatores que pioram os sintomas e depois tentar evitá-los durante o dia-a-dia. Alguns dos fatores mais comuns incluem poluição, alergias, ar frio, poeira, cheiros fortes ou fumaça. Veja ARTIGO NÃO ENCONTRADO EM EN: outros truques fundamentais para evitar as crises.

Além disso, situações de resfriado, gripe ou sinusite, por exemplo, também podem causar o surgimento de sintomas mais intensos de asma, facilitando as crises.

Assim, é fundamental manter o tratamento indicado pelo médico mesmo quando os sintomas já não aparecem há muito tempo, pois ajudam a evitar o surgimento de novas crises. Uma boa dica é manter sempre uma "bombinha" extra por perto, mesmo que já não seja necessária, de forma a que possa ser utilizada em momentos de crise ou emergência.

O que comer

As crises de asma também podem ser evitadas através da alimentação, por meio do consumo de alimentos anti-inflamatórios que ajudam a controlar a inflamação do pulmão e aliviar os sintomas de asma. Confira no vídeo a seguir como deve ser a alimentação para a asma:

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Written and updated by Daisy Oliveira - Registered Nurse on January of 2023. Clinical review by Manuel Reis - Registered Nurse, on January of 2023.

References

  • REIS, Isabel. Manual de Primeiros Socorros. Editorial do Ministério da Educação, 2010. 79.
  • BRITISH RED CROSS. Learn first aid for someone who is having an asthma attack. Available on: <https://www.redcross.org.uk/first-aid/learn-first-aid/asthma-attack>. Access in 02 Sep 2019
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  • WEBMD. Acute Asthma Attack Treatment for Adults. Available on: <https://www.webmd.com/first-aid/asthma-treatment>. Access in 02 Sep 2019
Clinical review:
Manuel Reis
Registered Nurse
Manuel graduated in 2013 and is licensed to practice under the Ordem dos Enfermeiros de Portugal, with license #79026. He specializes in Advanced Clinical Phytotherapy.