Imagine having an asthma attack with no inhaler — experiencing shortness of breath, coughing, and feeling like you just can’t breathe, only to have no treatment on hand. Asthma results from swollen bronchial tubes in the lungs and excessive mucus production, making it difficult to breathe when exposed to triggers. If you ever experience an asthma attack, you need your inhaler to survive while you wait for emergency medical services.
So, what to do if you have an asthma attack without an inhaler? Well, call 911! In the meantime, you can incorporate the tips mentioned in this blog until help arrives.
Signs of Asthma Attack
If you are having an asthma attack, the following symptoms will occur:
- Chest tightness and pain
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Increased heart rate
- Low peak flow score than usual
How to Help Asthma Without Inhaler
An asthma patient should keep their inhaler with them at all times. Still, if you find yourself with no inhaler during an asthma attack, seek emergency services. In the meantime, you can try the following tips on how to treat asthma without an inhaler:
1. Sit Upright: When you are having an asthma attack, it is best to avoid lying down since it makes the symptoms worse. Instead, sitting up straight can help keep your airways open.
2. Try To Remain Calm: If you have an asthma attack, panicking is not going to help! Therefore, try to stay calm if you are having an asthma attack but have no inhaler on hand. While you wait to receive medical attention, play music or do another activity that distracts you and helps you remain calm.
3. Take Long & Deep Breaths: It helps to maintain steady breathing during an asthma attack. Hence, taking long and deep breaths might alleviate the symptoms to some extent. You can also try the following breathing techniques to reduce asthma symptoms:
- Buteyko Breathing Technique: Breathe slowly through your nose rather than your mouth.
- Papworth Method: A particular breathing method using your diaphragm and nose.
- Diaphragmatic Breathing: Focus on breathing through the area surrounding your diaphragm instead of the chest region.
- Yoga Breathing Techniques: Involves controlling the duration and timing of every breath.
4. Step Away from the Triggers: Asthma triggers not only result in an attack but make your symptoms worse. So if you are having an asthma attack, you should move away from things that might have triggered it. For instance, if you are surrounded by cigarette smoke, move away instantly. Other than this, allergens, exercise, tobacco, pollution, stress, dry air, and more can also trigger asthma.
5. Have a Warm, Caffeinated Beverage: Caffeine might help temporarily improve airway functions. This is because it has properties that slightly resemble asthma medications. Although you will still need medical attention, you can feel better for a short time.
The Takeaway
If you are having an asthma attack but have no inhaler at hand, you will require emergency medical services. Therefore, stay calm, move away from the triggers, and call an ambulance. Our experts at the Internal Medicine Diagnostic Center can help improve your condition. Visit us now at 13644 Breton Ridge Suite B, Houston, Texas, 77070. You can also talk to us at (281) 252-8600.