How to Treat an Astma Attack From Home

Asthma attacks can be scary, especially when a fast action inhaler can't be found. For instant relief and emergency tips, look here.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• access to a shower or hot water
• large bowl

1. Calm down. Stress increases the intensity of an attack. Control your breathing, even if it's shallow.
2. Run a hot shower and sit on the seat of the commode. Inhale the steam slowly with concentrated breaths. This step can be painful at first, but the pain will subside as the airways slowly open.
3. If a shower is not available, place steaming hot water (preferably that has been boiled) into a large bowl and inhale it slowly, using the same method described in Step 2.
4. Finally, breathe in through the nose, out through the mouth. This will force you to slow your breathing. If your chest is moving more than your stomach during breaths, you are breathing shallow. Concentrate on using your stomach.
5. If you are able, sit up straight and raise your hands above your head. This helps to open the airways.

Tips & Warnings

• If breathing patterns do not regulate soon, contact 911 or an emergency ambulance service immediately. Once oxygen has been restricted beyond a certain point, permanent damage takes place.