How to Help Adults With Asthma

Are you one of the 16 million adults in the United States that is affected by asthma? If so, this chronic lung disease could be triggered by factors such as allergies or changes in the seasons. Developing a treatment plan can help you control your asthma and improve your quality of life. Shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing and a feeling of tightness in your chest are all classic signs of asthma. However, the best way to get a formal diagnosis is by visiting your doctor where you’ll likely get a lung function test.

How to Help Someone Who is Having an Asthma Attack

An asthma attack can be a life-threatening event. Not being able to breath properly is often enough to induce panic in an adult under normal circumstances. If this inability to breathe is the result of something that is not easily controlled — such as an asthma attack — it can compound the feelings of anxiety and panic. This is why it is so important to try to remain calm if you are having an asthma attack or if you are are around someone who is.

Eliminate Triggers

If you are familiar with the person who is having an asthma attack, try to eliminate the source of the trigger. Ask people to move outside to allow the asthmatic to have more fresh air to breath if they have been smoking nearby, for example. If there are pets in the home and you know the person is sensitive to their dander, move away from the animal and closer to fresh air. If you aren’t familiar with the person and their triggers, try to talk to them calmly about how you can help.

Activate Emergency Plan

Many people with asthma have an emergency plan in place. This usually involves using a short-term inhaler or a rescue medication. Other medications could be used to reduce inflammation. Offer to find their inhaler and help steady their hands, if necessary.

When to Call for Medical Help

If the person’s symptoms are worsening, or if you cannot determine what their emergency plan is, call 911. The dispatcher will be able to provide you with some form of guidance while you are on the phone with them as first responders make their way to you. Time is of the essence during an asthma attack as it can become severe quickly and can lead to death.

Don’t let asthma ruin your life or reduce the quality of life of your loved one. Instead, find a Utah medical care provider with allergy and immunology specialists. At Revere Health, we work closely with you to develop a treatment plan that fits your lifestyle. Our highly trained staff is there to offer you the strategies you need to cope with your asthma.