How to Be Prepared for an Asthma Attack

An asthma attack can be sudden and dangerous. The most important thing to remember is not to panic. Having a plan to deal with an attack will help reduce your fear.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Asthma Medications

1. Know the warning signs of a life-threatening asthma attack: your lips or fingernails look blue and chest is tight, or you're sweating profusely, unable to talk or are gasping for breath.

2. Consult with your doctor so you know ahead of time exactly what medications you must keep on hand for an asthma attack.

3. Put together a written plan, with the help of your doctor, outlining exactly how you'll handle an asthma attack if and when it occurs.

4. Include in the plan the levels of symptoms and medications you'll need for those levels.

5. Write the names of the medications down, the dosages you'll need, where you keep them and how to use them.

6. Keep the phone number of your doctor on your list.

7. List emergency phone numbers, as well, including that of the nearest hospital.

8. Place the plan in a central place where it's easy to find at a moment's notice, and tell anyone who spends time with you where the plan is located.

9. Have a copy of the plan at work and in your purse or wallet in case you have an asthma attack away from home.

10. Keep your peak flow meter handy. Know how to use it and what the measurements mean.

Tips & Warnings

• Some asthma sufferers wear a Medic Alert bracelet.
• Go to the emergency room immediately if you have any doubt about the severity of your attack. It's always better to be safe than sorry.
• If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other healthcare professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.

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on 8/26/2006 An asthma attack can be a very scary thing to have happen and being prepared at all times is very important. If you take part in any sport or physical activity and suffer from any level of asthma, make sure you always have a rescue inhaler with you. A rescue inhaler is different from a steroid inhaler in that it will relieve your symptoms in minutes. If you do not already have a prescribed rescue inhaler set up an appointment with your doctor and ask about getting one. I, myself am a cross country runner and have attacks whenever its extremely humid or rainy. For this reason I always carry my rescue inhaler with me and rely on it frequently.
To use a rescue inhaler follow the steps below:
* Take deep breath.
* Slowly let all air out of your lungs.
* Place inhaler in mouth and close mouth around the inhaler completely.
* Press the button down completely and take a deep breath in filling your lungs.
* Hold for around 10 seconds.
* Exhale slowly.
* Repeat as recommended by doctor.

on 11/22/2005 Stand & inhale deeply. Place your lips around the peak flow meter and blow as quickly and forcefully as you can. Check the # and repeat twice. Highest # of the three is written down on record.