Knowing what to do for an asthma attack without an inhaler can be crucial. You can take several steps while waiting for your symptoms to subside or for medical attention to arrive.
Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the lungs. During an asthma attack, the airways become narrower than normal and can cause difficulty breathing.
The preferred way of treating an asthma attack is to use a rescue inhaler, which contains medication that expands your airways.
However, if you do not have your inhaler with you, then various steps can help during an asthma attack. The steps can also help you to know when to seek medical help.
1. Call 911
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Consider calling 911 if you are having a severe asthma attack or if you feel you are unable to manage symptoms, particularly if you do not have your inhaler. You should always be sure to seek immediate emergency medical treatment if you experience any of the following symptoms during an asthma attack:
Your symptoms continue to get worse even after treatment.
You cannot speak except in short words or phrases.
You are straining your chest, abdominal, or neck muscles.
Your shortness of breath or wheezing is severe.
You begin to feel drowsy or tired.
Your lips or face appear blue or gray.
While waiting for emergency services, other steps can help during an asthma attack.
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Asthma triggers can both cause an asthma attack and make symptoms worse. It is important to try to get away from things that may be triggering your asthma attack.
For example, if you are in an area where people are smoking cigarettes, it is important to move to a smoke-free environment.
It is also important to know your triggers. Common triggers include:
allergens, such as pet dander, pollen, or certain foods
exercise
irritants, such as tobacco smoke or pollution
stress or anxiety
some medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and beta-blockers
respiratory infections, such as the common cold or the flu
breathing in cold, dry air
3. Sit up straight
Sitting upright can help keep your airways open. Be sure to avoid lying down while you’re having an asthma attack, as this can make symptoms worse.
A 2018 article into the effects of body position on pulmonary function noted that function was improved in people with asthma when they stood up compared to lying down. The article also noted little difference in pulmonary function when standing compared to sitting down.
A 2017 article also found that lung function in people with bronchial asthma was better when sitting compared to lying down.
4. Steady your breathing
Try to take slow, steady breaths during your attack.
Some breathing exercises may help reduce asthma symptoms. Some examples include:
the Buteyko breathing technique, which involves breathing slowly through your nose as opposed to your mouth
the Papworth method, which involves using your diaphragm and nose to breathe in a particular way
yoga breathing techniques, which can include deep breathing or control of posture
While you wait for your symptoms to subside or for medical attention to arrive, it may be helpful to turn on the TV or play some music to help keep yourself calm.
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Symptoms that indicate that you could be experiencing an asthma attack include:
severe shortness of breath
tightness or pain in your chest
coughing or wheezing
fast heart rate
confusion
dizziness
fainting
blue lips or fingers
It is important to seek immediate medical attention if:
you do not have an inhaler
your inhaler is empty
your symptoms do not subside
Prevention
The best way to prevent an asthma attack is to make sure that your asthma is being managed. This includes working with a doctor to develop a personalized asthma action plan. This can help you to better understand and control your asthma.
An asthma action plan includes:
your asthma triggers and how to avoid them
indicators of when you’re controlling your asthma well and when you need to seek emergency medical attention
how and when to take your medications, both for symptom control and for quick relief
People with asthma typically use two types of medication: long-term and quick-relief medications.
Long-term asthma medications are medications that you take every day to control airway inflammation and prevent asthma attacks. These medications can include inhaled corticosteroids and leukotriene modifiers.
Quick-relief medications are rescue medications that you take for short-term relief of asthma symptoms. These medications are referred to as bronchodilators and work to open your airways.
Your family and those close to you should have a copy of your asthma action plan so that they’ll know what to do if you have an asthma attack. It may also be helpful to keep it on your phone in case you need to reference it quickly.
Summary
If you are having an asthma attack and do have your rescue inhaler on hand, there are several steps that you can take that might help. These include sitting upright, steadying your breathing, and remaining calm. It is also important to avoid triggers.
It is important to remember that asthma attacks can be very serious and require emergency medical attention. If you are experiencing the symptoms of a serious asthma attack, such as severe shortness of breath, severe wheezing, or difficulty speaking, you should call 911.
