What to do When You Have an Asthma Attack?

What is an asthma attack?

An asthma attack forms when the airways narrow and mucus starts to form. The person will experience shortness of breath, pain or tightness in the chest, labored breathing and anxiety. The breathing will become rapid and if not treated immediately the attack can lead to serious problems.

What are the signs that an asthma attack is forming?

Tightness in the chest is the first sign that an asthma attack could be forming. If you notice any difficulty breathing or increased short breaths, that could also be a sign. Wheezing and heavy cough are also a sign that an attack may be forming. Neck muscle tightening and stiffness could lead to an asthma attack. One or more of these symptoms are common before having an asthma attack.

What is the best treatment to prevent an asthma attack?

Stopping the symptoms before they start is the best treatment. Preventing harmful allergens from causing problems is a useful treatment. Taking an antihistamine or allergy shots may be the best way to do so. If your asthma is caused by something else, taking an inhaled corticosteroid is a great way to prevent an asthma attack. The corticosteroid will coat the airways and prevent them from narrowing. It will also prevent the mucus from forming in the airways. Having a short-acting inhaler is another useful treatment to prevent an asthma attack. If you feel the symptoms increasing and expect an attack is forming, taking a dose of the inhaler will stop the attack from happening and give you relief for a few hours.

What to do when you are having an attack?

The first thing that you need to do while you are having an attack is to relax. Take a few deep breaths and try to calm yourself as much as possible. Panic and anxiety can lead to worse asthma problems and can lead to other health issues. Try using some form of treatment to stop the attack.

What to do if the attack will not subside?

Seek medical attention immediately. An asthma attack can lead to serious health conditions including coma and even death. If the asthma attack is very severe you need medical attention.