It can be scary to have an asthma attack, but seeing a stranger or acquaintance in the middle of an asthma attack is also an impressive experience. There is a risk that the person will panic, especially if they do not have their inhaler with them. Fortunately, you can help him! Go to his rescue by seeking medical assistance, helping him to stay calm and using some techniques to aid breathing.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Lending Help Immediately
Step 1. Call an ambulance if the inhaler fails or the person cannot breathe
If you lose consciousness, have difficulty breathing, or your lips or nails become blue, seek help immediately. Also, you should call an ambulance if you don't have a bronchodilation device with you, if the inhaler doesn't help relieve symptoms after about ten puffs, or if it only helps initially but symptoms tend to worsen over time. Use a cell phone or ask someone to call emergency services so you can stay close to them. If you have a car, take it to the hospital.
- Help him stay calm while you wait for the paramedics to arrive. Encourage him to sit upright, breathe slowly, and continue using the inhaler if it proves helpful.
- If you have mild symptoms and can speak and move, try relieving your symptoms without asking for help.
Step 2. Recognize asthmatic symptoms
If the symptoms are not severe enough to require immediate medical attention, try to identify them by communicating with the person to make sure it is an asthma attack. If you know they are asthmatic and see that they are having difficulty breathing, they are probably having a fit. If you're not sure, see if they have the typical signs and symptoms of an attack, including:
- Difficulty speaking
- Difficulty in breathing
- Wheezing;
- Cough;
- Feeling of danger or panic
- Cyanotic lips or nails.
Step 3. Stay calm
People with asthma attacks may be afraid or panicked. It is important that the carer remains calm. Take slow, deep breaths. Express yourself positively, for example by saying, "Everything will be fine" or "I'm close to you." When you give him instructions, speak in a calm, firm voice: "I need you to sit with your back straight and show me where to keep the inhaler."
Avoid saying anything that may further frighten him, such as, "I don't know what to do!" If you keep calm, you will help him feel calmer
Step 4. Make sure you want help
If it's a stranger, don't assume they need help. Approach calmly, introduce yourself quickly and offer your assistance. Don't be offended if he doesn't accept it. If so, ask him what you can do.
- Approach and say: "Hi, my name is Tommaso. I see that you are in difficulty. I would like to help you, if you allow me. Can I give you a hand?".
- Ask permission before touching it. Tell him: "I'll help you sit down. Is there any problem if I hold you by the arm?"
Step 5. Find out about his action plan
If he can speak, ask him how he handles asthma attacks. Many asthmatics know what to do in these cases. He may be able to tell you how you can help him, when he needs the bronchodilator, where he keeps it, and if or when to call emergency services. He may also tell you how he has been able to relieve symptoms at other times, perhaps by getting away from certain triggers or going to a cool, quiet place.
Part 2 of 4: Providing Medical Assistance
Step 1. Get the medication you need
If you know where he keeps the inhaler, don't hesitate to take it. If you have no idea, ask him where he put it. If he can't speak, tell him to point to the place or write it down with his finger. Call someone who can help, such as a family member.
- Keep in mind that it can use more than one inhaler or type of medication. Some are taken as a form of "maintenance" (ie for daily use to reduce or prevent asthma symptoms), while others are fast-acting "rescue" medicines designed to relieve seizures. If the person can answer, ask them to tell (or indicate) which drug they use in an emergency.
- Many asthma patients carry an inhaler instruction card with them. Look for it. It can help you understand what to do when a person cannot speak during an attack.
Step 2. Help him take the medication if he can't do it on his own
Most asthma patients know how to use the inhaler correctly, so let it handle itself. If he's not calm enough, step in. Shake the inhaler, place the mouthpiece between your lips, feel him when you are about to administer the drug so that at the same time he can take a deep breath. Wait a few seconds before giving your next dose or until it tells you it's ready.
- Help him do 1-2 inhalations every 2 minutes. Do this until your symptoms improve or until you have inhaled the drug a dozen times. If emergency services don't arrive within 15 minutes, repeat the process.
- In these cases the asthmatic person should use his inhaler, but someone else's is better than nothing. If you don't currently have your bronchodilator with you, but can use yours or someone else's, don't hesitate to give it to them.
Part 3 of 4: Making the Person Comfortable
Step 1. Calm and reassure
By staying calm, you will prevent the person from twitching their muscles, aggravating their difficulty in breathing. Tell her that help is on the way and that you are ready to help her. Hold her hand or stay close to her. Speak in a reassuring voice.
- Ask her if you can help yourself in anything. He probably has a plan or some instructions to give you.
- Suggest that she try some meditation exercises or encourage her to relax.
Step 2. Help her sit up straight
Whether he sits on the ground or on a bench, make sure he stands straight. This way, he will be able to breathe more easily. If he stretches or curves his spine, he will hardly breathe. Tell her what to do, for example: "Sit on the ground and stand with your back straight." If she is panicking and not listening, try guiding her gently with your hands.
Hold her firmly by the arm and try to get her to sit up. Place the palm of your hand against your spine and press it gently to cause it to stand straight. Do not push, do not squeeze and do not make sudden maneuvers
Step 3. Tell her to take long, deep breaths
When a person has difficulty breathing, their natural reaction is to breathe shallowly and pant. This way, you risk hyperventilating. Therefore, tell her to take long, deep breaths: "Breathe through the nose and exhale through the mouth." She will likely have a hard time following your advice, but encourage her to do her best.
Help her inhale for a count of 4 and exhale for a count of 6. Guide her aloud and breathe with her. Show her how she needs to contract her lips to slow the pace at which she expels the air
Step 4. Undo or remove tight clothing
If she's wearing something that hugs her, help her unbutton. Try to figure out if it is appropriate to touch or undress her.
If you are rescuing someone you don't know, suggest that they unbutton their clothes. If he's a family member, you can do it for him. If the situation is really critical, don't be afraid to lend all the help you can
Part 4 of 4: Improving Breathing with Natural Methods
Step 1. Remove the asthmatic person from the triggering factor
Asthma attacks can be triggered by chemicals, smoke, mold, pets, sawdust, or other allergens. If you have the impression that the seizure was caused by something in the surrounding environment, take the person away. Keep it away from smoke, dust, and chemical fumes, such as those produced by chlorine, if you are in an enclosed pool or near a hot tub. Take it to an air-conditioned place or an area where the air is not stale.
- If she can't move, let her breathe through a scarf or sleeve to reduce the amount of irritants entering the bronchi.
- Be aware that asthma attacks can occur even in the absence of triggers.
Step 2. Offer her hot coffee or tea
If your symptoms are not very severe - that is, if your breathing is very difficult and you are able to stay calm - try offering her a hot theine or caffeine drink as it may help open her airways for some time. Offer a cup or two of coffee or tea to drink right away.
Step 3. Invite her to expose herself to the steam
If you can, encourage her to take a hot bath or shower and close the door so the steam stays in the room. The heat and steam can dissolve the mucus in the lungs and help clear the airways.
