Asthma is a manageable condition, but certain triggers may be out of your control. It is important that you always have your inhaler with you when you go out – and always be prepared for the worst. But what if the worst does happen? What if you have an asthma attack with no inhaler? Here’s what to do: get in touch with your asthma doctor, Dr. Shukla, and follow these steps to manage your symptoms ASAP!
Asthma Attack with No Inhaler? Here’s What to Do
Whether you are familiar with the way your body reacts to an asthma attack or it is a brand-new experience for you, it is important to review the signs and symptoms of an asthma attack about to hit. You may be in danger if you are suddenly:
- Coughing and wheezing non-stop
- Itching all over your neck
- Feeling very fatigued
- Having shortness of breath
- Getting tight around your chest
You may feel like you are having a panic attack when these symptoms come on so suddenly. Not to mention, an oncoming asthma attack can also quicken your pulse rate, turn your nails blue, and make your skin pale. These are all signs that you need to seek out emergency asthma assistance right away.
Ask for Assistance
It might be a good idea to let the people around you know that you have asthma and that you are about to experience an asthma attack. Someone can seek out medical attention for you or help you administer medication when you need it. Make sure to have emergency numbers on deck for when you need help in the moment. Get in touch with an urgent care facility right away.
Stay Calm While You Wait
While waiting for medical assistance to arrive, there are a few things you can do to decrease your symptoms when you don’t have your inhaler with you:
- Eat a cough drop or mint. This can help reduce the coughing and wheezing temporarily.
- Breathe in steam. Get to a faucet and turn the water on hot, then breathe in the steam so it can loosen up your tightened airways.
- Take deep breaths. Breathe deeply in through your nose and out through your mouth. This can keep you from hyperventilating or passing out. Maintain steady breaths and focus on your breathing.
If you can, try to remember to tell yourself that everything will be alright. Help is on the way, and even without your medicine you can come down from an asthma attack.
Take Preventative Measures
You can also work to reduce the likelihood that you will have a severe asthma attack in public – especially not without your medicine with you. By taking extra precautions and practicing relaxation, you can keep your body from going into a fight-or-flight response.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day, and maintain a balanced diet. Invest in exercise to keep your body fit and to prevent a buildup of unused energy, which could irritate your respiratory system. If you struggle with severe asthma, you can use a hot water humidifier at night to breathe in cleansing air.
Create an Emergency Asthma Care Plan Today!
You never know when you will be caught outside without your inhaler with you. While this hopefully does not happen, it is possible that you could suddenly experience the symptoms of asthma without being prepared. When moments like this arrive, you will be thankful that you created an emergency care plan to relieve your asthma symptoms with or without medicine.
The longer you go without treating your asthma, the more fatal it can be in the long run. Learn more about untreated asthma dangers and get in touch with Dr. Shukla to schedule a personal consultation today.
