How to Deal with An Asthma Attack

Asmathic girl catching inhaler

During an asthma attack, the airways narrow, which leads to a flurry of symptoms, such as chest pain, coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. An attack is almost always triggered by something, be it an illness, infection, allergen, chemical, or physical activity. An asthma attack can leave you feeling terrified and put you in danger if you are not prepared.

This is why it’s important to work with an allergist to create a treatment plan that prepares you for surprise asthma attacks, as well as daily management of this condition.

What To Do

Here are some tips on how to deal with an asthma attack:

  1. Move away from triggers. Common triggers include pollen, tobacco smoke, mold, dust mites, pet dander, pollution, and harsh chemicals, such as those used in cleaning and disinfecting products. Physical activity can be a trigger for exercise-induced asthma.
  2. Use your inhaler. When you experience an asthma attack, immediately use your inhaler. This will help you breathe better and get the asthma attack under control.
  3. Sit in an upright position. The purpose of this is to keep your airways open and prevent constriction of breathing.
  4. Take long, slow, and deep breaths. Inhale air through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Deep breathing helps you relax and stay calm. It can also help prevent your chest muscles from constricting.

If the symptoms of an asthma attack do not subside after using your inhaler or if your breathing difficulty is severe, call 911 immediately.

Preventing an Asthma Attack

It is always best to prevent an asthma attack from happening than it is to treat one after it occurs. Avoidance is a good strategy, but not always possible. Avoiding exposure to tobacco smoke, harsh chemicals, cold air, pollen, dust, mold, pests, and pet dander in places that are not within your control can be difficult.

It is very difficult to know where to start with avoiding triggers and knowing how to respond effectively in case you are exposed. When it comes to controlling asthma, your best bet is to seek out a medical professional’s help. An allergist can help identify your triggers through a series of tests and teach you to control asthma attacks when you’re exposed to them.

State-of-the-art treatment for asthma is immunotherapy, which can reduce the severity and frequency of asthma attacks by gradually exposing you to your triggers. This treatment can significantly reduce the number of asthma attacks you experience, as well as the severity of the attacks.

Allergist in Will County & DuPage County, IL

Let our allergists at Oak Brook Allergists help you take control of your asthma. With the right treatment program, you can enjoy a life that’s as symptom-free as possible. Our treatments help you respond to an attack and avoid expensive visits to the ER and hospitalizations. We also help you sleep better at night.

Our experts have a wealth of experience treating all types of asthma in patients of all ages. To schedule an appointment with us, call our allergy clinic at (630) 574-0460, or use our online request form to plan your visit.