What To Do in an Asthma Attack

The early signs of an asthma attack are tightness in the chest, coughing, wheezing and restlessness or a feeling of impatience while trying to sleep. These are the signs that usually warn the patients about their likelihood of getting an asthma attack. The patients should make sure that they are taking all the medicines at the required time prescribed by their doctor. In addition to this, they should try to relax themselves, both mentally and physically. Also, try to cough to expel mucus out. However, many-a-times, even after taking so much care and caution, patients tend to get asthma attacks. Therefore, they should always keep themselves prepared to handle such situations.

Asthma Attack: What To Do

• Immediately leave the environment where any kinds of asthmatic agent or asthma triggers are present. These can be smoke, perfume, pet animals or plant.
• Take your reliever inhaler and inhale it. It will open the closed airways. Usually, albuterol inhalers are prescribed to asthmatics for use during an attack.
• Sit down and try to calm yourself. Make sure that you are wearing no tight clothing. If any, immediately take that off.
• You may also use Beta-2 antagonists to open up the bronchial passages quickly. This eases breathing.
• Continue with your reliever inhaler. Take one puff every one minute till the symptoms improve.
• Generally, the asthma attack symptoms start disappearing within 5-8 minutes. If you do not feel any improvement in your condition, then call a doctor or 911 immediately.
• Till medical help reaches you, continue puffing your reliever inhaler.

Asthma Attack - Home Remedies

• Increase your intake of foods rich in Vitamin B6 and vitamin B12. Such foods are eggs, meat, dairy products and fruits. Vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 reduces the inflammation of the lungs. Hence, they are prescribed to asthma patients.
• Vitamin C boosts your immune system. With a strong immune system, your body is able to fight against infections and illnesses.
• Drink a glass of warm milk mixed with a teaspoon of turmeric powder. You may take it every night before going to bed to get some relief from frequent asthma attacks.
• It is believed that gingko biloba reduces the frequency of asthma attack. Use this medicinal herb to get relief from asthma.
• Massage your chest and back with warm mustard oil mixed with a little of camphor. Do it thrice a week. This is believed to be an effective asthma attack home remedy.
• Caffeine dilates the bronchial airways. Therefore, coffee and soft drinks containing caffeine can be used for asthma attack treatment.
• Drink licorice tea once a day. It helps in the treatment of asthma attack and is one of the simplest home remedies for asthma.
• Eat fish, especially salmon, at least twice a week. Salmon oil capsules are also available over-the-counter. They are sometimes prescribed by medical professionals as well.
• Chew fennel twice or thrice a day. It will help you in expelling out infected mucus from the lung. It is widely used in the treatment for asthma attack.
• A Chinese herb called Shuang Huang Lian is very effective in treating respiratory system disorders. Consult a herbalist for the required dosage and use it as directed.
• Blend a ½ a cup of honey, a cup of grated radish and 3 tablespoons of lemon juice together. Take one teaspoon daily in the morning. It will ease your condition.
• Inhale the vapors from hot water mixed with 3-4 drops of juniper oil. Do it on alternate days. This essential oil is known to treat many disorders associated with respiration.

An asthma attack is dangerous to life. It should never be ignored. The patient should make an appointment with the doctor, preferably within two days of attack. This will help the patient to monitor his condition as well as the doctor to keep a record of the patient's recovery or relapse. Try out the above suggested natural treatments for asthma attack to keep yourself safe, and secured against asthma.