What to Do During an Asthma Attack Without an Inhaler: Key Tips & Steps

    what to do during an asthma attack

    Asthma is a long-term health problem that many people around the world deal with. It can really affect how people live their lives. The World Health Organization says that about 262 million people had asthma in 2019 and unfortunately, 455,000 people died from it. Asthma can be tough because it requires constant attention and there’s no complete cure for it. Having an asthma attack is scary. You might wheeze, feel short of breath, have a tight chest, and cough a lot. It makes it very clear why it’s so important to handle asthma attacks right away and in the right way.

    For those with asthma, having an inhaler close by is important. Inhalers have medicine that helps relax the airways quickly so it becomes easier to breathe. They can stop a serious asthma episode and help keep asthma under better control. But, what if you suddenly need your inhaler and it’s not there or you’ve forgotten it?

    What Inhalers Do and Why They Matter

    An inhaler is a device that sends medication directly to your lungs, which helps quickly ease symptoms of an asthma attack like wheezing or shortness of breath. When you use an inhaler, the medicine works fast to relax the muscles in your airways, making it easier for you to breathe. That’s why it’s so important for people with asthma to have their inhaler within reach.

    However, the cost of inhalers can be high. Prices can range from $30 to over $300, making it difficult for some people to afford them, especially those who need them regularly. This makes it essential to know what to do if you find yourself having an asthma attack and don’t have your inhaler nearby.

    How to Handle Asthma Attacks If You Don’t Have an Inhaler

    Not having your inhaler during an asthma attack can be scary, but there are other ways you can try to manage your symptoms until you can use one. Here are some helpful tips:

    1. Sit Upright: Don’t lie down when you’re having trouble breathing. Sitting straight helps open up your lungs, making it easier for air to move in and out. Try to find a place to sit comfortably if you’re not at home.
    2. Keep Calm. Feeling panicked can make your breathing even harder. Try to relax and take slow, steady breaths. This can help ease your symptoms a bit.
    3. Breathe Slowly and Deeply: Practice taking deep breaths slowly. Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. This is really good to remember if you’re somewhere with lots of asthma triggers around.
    4. Get Away from Triggers: If you know what makes your asthma worse, try to stay away from it. This could mean moving to a different area if you’re outside.
    5. Try Warm Caffeinated Drinks: Having a bit of warm tea or coffee might help open your airways a little, giving you some temporary relief.
    6. Inhale Steam: If you’re inside, steam can help loosen things up in your lungs. Boil some water, pour it into a bowl, and carefully breathe in the steam.
    7. Cover Your Nose and Mouth: If cold air bothers your asthma and you’re caught outside, use a scarf or mask over your face. It helps warm and moisten the air before you breathe it in.
    8. Drink Water: Keep hydrated because drinking water can help thin the mucus in your lungs, making it easier to breathe.
    9. Don’t Lie Down: Staying upright is better for your breathing than lying down, especially when you’re feeling really tired or tight in the chest.
    10. Ask for Help When Needed: If your symptoms are getting worse and not better, it’s important to get help. Find someone who can assist you or call for emergency aid.

    While these steps can help in a pinch, they’re not a replacement for medical advice or treatment. It’s very important to have a plan worked out with your doctor for times when you might not have your inhaler handy.

    Why You Shouldn’t Just Rely on Emergency Tips All the Time

    Knowing what to do in an asthma attack without your inhaler is helpful, but it’s not safe to only depend on these tips. Here’s why it’s risky:

    Prioritizing Proper Asthma Care

    The ideas we’ve talked about for when you don’t have your inhaler are just to help you out in a tight spot. They’re not meant to take the place of your real asthma treatment. The safest way to handle asthma is by sticking to the plan you made with your doctor. This includes using your inhaler and any other medicines exactly as they told you to. Make sure you always know where your inhaler is, keep an eye on when it might run out, and get a refill before you’re completely out. While these backup tips are good to know, nothing beats following your doctor’s advice and keeping up with your regular asthma care.