Overcoming Your Own Asthma Attack

Prepare an action plan. After being diagnosed with asthma, plan for action to treat asthma with a doctor. This plan is basically a step-by-step process that must be done when you face an acute attack. This plan must be written and include the ER telephone number, as well as family numbers and friends who can meet you at the hospital if needed.

• After getting a diagnosis, consult with your doctor to identify specific symptoms of worsening of asthma and what you should do when it appears (eg taking medication, to the emergency room, etc.).
• Make sure you know how to use a rescue inhaler
• Write down this plan and take it all the time.

Avoid triggering an asthma attack. In general, note that symptom prevention is the best way to deal with and treat asthma. If you know what situations trigger an asthma attack (such as being close to a furry animal or very hot or cold weather, try to avoid it as much as possible.

Take the inhaler that your doctor prescribes. There are two types of rescue drugs that doctors may prescribe, namely Metered Dose Inhaler (MDI) or Dry Powder Inhaler (DPI).

MDI is the most common inhaler. These inhalers incorporate asthma drugs through small aerosol cans that are equipped with chemical driving agents that move drugs into the lungs. MDI can be used alone or with a clear plastic tube called a chamber or spacer that separates the mouth from the inhaler, and that allows you to breathe normally to receive the drug and help the drug enter the lungs more efficiently.

DPI is an inhaler to include dry powder for asthma-free drugs. The DPI brand includes Flovent, Serevent, or Advair. DPI requires you to breathe fast and deep so that this tool is difficult to use during an asthma attack. This makes it a less popular choice than standard MDIs.

Whatever type of inhaler the doctor prescribes, make sure you always carry it.

Use MDI. Note that when you have an asthma attack, you only need to use MDI filled with bronchodilator rescue drugs (such as albuterol), and not corticosteroids or long-acting beta-2 bronchodilators. Beat the inhaler for five seconds to mix the medicine in a can.

• Before using the inhaler, remove as much air as possible in the lungs.
• Lift the chin and tighten the lips in the chamber or end of the inhaler.
• If using the chamber, breathe normally and slowly breathe the medicine. If you only use an inhaler, start breathing and press the inhaler once.
• Keep breathing until you can no longer get air.
• Hold your breath for 10 seconds and repeat at least once more, but usually more than that, and give a one-minute pause between uses. Always follow the instructions in the asthma plan that you have written.

Use DPI. DPI varies depending on the manufacturer, so you must read the instructions carefully before using them.

• Exhale and remove air as much as possible.
• Squeeze your lips around the DPI and breathe deeply until your lungs are full.
• Hold your breath for 10 seconds.
• Release DPI from the mouth and exhale slowly.
• If you prescribe more than one dose, repeat it again after a minute has passed.