Asthma is a disorder that occurs in the respiratory tract. One of the symptoms felt is shortness of breath accompanied by wheezing. The sudden relapse of symptoms is usually triggered by exposure to animal hair, dust, cigarette smoke, and cold air.
It’s best to recognize the early signs of an asthma attack so you can prevent the condition from getting worse. Even though the initial signs of an attack of this disease are usually not too severe, you still need treatment so that your health condition returns to optimal.
For sufferers, asthma attacks can appear anytime and anywhere. If sufferers forget to bring an inhaler to treat asthma, this disease will be difficult to cure. So, what if this condition occurs? Are there steps that can be taken as first aid? The answer is yes. Here are a number of first aid measures that can be done when asthma flares up at the most inopportune moment.
An asthma attack that comes suddenly doesn’t only panic the sufferer, but also the people around him. If you encounter someone having an asthma attack in a public place, here are some first aid measures you can do:
1. Sit Upright
When asthma symptoms appear suddenly, immediately stop activities and sit up straight. An upright body position can make you breathe more easily. Avoid lying down or bending over, because it can make the airway even more blocked and trigger the appearance of more severe symptoms.
2. Inhale
Taking deep and long breaths is one of the steps to overcome asthma. Asthma attacks will cause an imbalance in oxygen and carbon dioxide levels that interfere with blood flow to the brain. If left unchecked, the sufferer may experience a decrease in consciousness due to a lack of oxygen supply in the brain. Taking deep breaths can encourage the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the brain.
3. Keep Calm
When you experience an asthma flare-up, the sure steps to take are to stay calm and don’t panic. You can regulate your breath slowly, so that your breath is not too fast. Try to loosen tight clothes so that your breathing rate is not hampered and you are more comfortable. If using a belt, it never hurts to loosen it temporarily until help arrives.
4. Avoid Triggers
Overcoming asthma can be done by avoiding triggers. Therefore, sufferers need to know which ingredients or substances can trigger a recurrence of symptoms. Some of these allergens are usually dust, cigarette smoke, or the strong smell of chemicals. If you already know, avoid a number of triggers, OK?
If wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath gets worse after taking the recommended steps, immediately take the person to the nearest hospital. Do not take it for granted, because asthma symptoms that are left alone can lead to loss of life. For people with this condition or someone who has a history of asthma, don’t forget to bring medicine wherever you go.