How to Treat an Asthma Sufferer

Asthma can be a serious ailment. It is not rare for people who are not treated properly to die from a serious asthma attack. If there is ever a situation where somebody is suffering from a serious asthma attack, there are steps that you can take to help the sufferer get through it.

Instructions

1. Call the local emergency number. If there is a cell phone or pay phone handy, dial the emergency number immediately and give the operator the location. Be sure to follow any instructions the operator gives.

2. Stay calm. A person suffering a severe asthma attack is under a great deal of physical and emotional stress; more stress is not what this individual needs.

3. Try to find his inhaler. Most people who suffer from asthma are given an inhaler to treat acute symptoms. The medicine in the inhaler will help stop the attack and allow her to breathe. If the inhaler is found quickly, there maybe nothing more that needs to be done. Do not spend too much time searching for the inhaler if you can't find it right away.

4. Talk to the person suffering the attack calmly. Try to get their mind away from the attack as much as possible. Often times the stress of the asthma attack can make it worse, so keeping the person calm is the most important thing you can do.

5. Get the person a drink with caffeine, if there is one nearby. Caffeine itself is a bronchodilator (a medicine that opens up the lungs) and can help ease the symptoms of an attack temporarily.

6. Look the individual in the eyes if the symptoms worsen. Try to get the person to concentrate on taking slower breaths. Even breathe with him. This helps her know that somebody cares.

7. Stay with the individual until help arrives. Let the sufferer know that she is not alone and that you will be with her until help comes.

Tips & Warnings

• Remain calm. This can't be said enough. "Freaking out" will only add stress and may cause symptoms to worsen.

• Do not leave the person suffering the attack alone unless absolutely necessary. If the sufferer must be left alone, assure him that he won't be alone for long, and stay away for as little time as possible.