Asthma Emergencies -
When To Go To ER

What does an asthma emergency feel like? If your breathing should ever get to the point where you cannot take a deep breath, and your rescue inhaler doesn’t work, then you should seek help immediately.

Many people who experience asthma for the first time when they are rushed to the emergency room with acute breathing problems. This is the worse time to deal with asthma symptoms.

The Warning Signs Of An Asthma Emergency

You should always be aware of the tell-tale signs of a severe asthma attack. This illness affects people differently and at different times. Some sufferers will cough nonstop and others will experience symptoms when they go outdoors or when they exercise. But it can become dangerous when you cannot breathe for a prolonged amount of time.

Closely Monitor Your Condition For Signs Of An Emergency

You should self-monitor if you believe that you may have asthma. If you are not sure whether there is any connection between how you feel and what you do, keep a daily journal of your physical and mental condition, preferably for about two weeks. This information should include possible triggers and your reaction to them.

Dangerous Symptoms That Require Emergency Care

You should watch what happens to your child with the change of seasons. Wheezing is a sure sign that a flare up is imminent. Clearing of the throat and irregular breathing are other tell-tale signs of a pending asthma emergency. If your child complains of a tight chest, then be prepared to get to the emergency room. Other signs include panting while talking, fatigue with light exertion, or a bluish color to the fingers or lips.

Even though it may seem upsetting, parents should be aware that a severe breathing problem is a valid reason to go the hospital. Parents need to know the signs and symptoms so that they can go to the hospital at the right time.

Simple Steps To Handling An Asthma Emergency

When you suffer through a severe asthma attack, you need to know the quickest way to rescue your breathing. These are the simple steps to get your breathing under control

1. Be prepared. Being aware of these asthma basics will help you deal effectively with many emergency situations. Even if you know your triggers and how to prevent and treat your symptoms, trouble is always waiting. There is the possibility that an unknown allergen can trigger a severe reaction.
2. Use inhaler immediately. In general, you should use two to four puffs of the inhaler and then wait for about five minutes for the next dose. If your breathing does not improve, look for another solution.
3. Call for help. If you can, grab the closest person and tell him that you are in distress. You may not be able to talk on a phone so this person can be your voice. Call an ambulance and continue to use your inhaler until you can get to an emergency.

Start Emergency Care Quickly And Save A Life

If you are ever in the presence of someone having an asthma emergency, then you should know what to do. These are the basic steps that can get you to start medical care:

1. Stay calm throughout the episode. This will help the person remain calm as well. If he or she panics, it will worsen the asthma attack and make it far more difficult to breathe.
2. Search for an inhaler and instruction card. Many asthmatics not only carry not only an inhaler, but a written instruction card as well. An asthma attack can temporarily rob the patient of his ability to speak. In such situations, an instruction card which explains what needs to be done can be invaluable.
3. Call an ambulance. If it appears that the sufferer is not responding to the medication within ten minutes, call for help. And continue to deliver about four puffs of medication every five minutes while waiting for the ambulance. The medication will help prevent the asthma attack from getting worse even if it doesn’t seem to provide immediate relief.

Feature Article:

 Asthma Management - How To Use An Asthma Action Plan For Better Control Of Your Breathing 

More Information
On The Safest Asthma Treatments

Asthma is a very uncomfortable condition to deal with, especially if it is severe.  But it does not have to rob you out of the joy of life.  You can live normally ... through asthma management and the right plan, you can have an active, healthy life. 

Start With An Asthma Quiz	Learn About 12 Deadly Triggers	How To Prevent A Bad Attack
Create Your Asthma Action Plan	How To Monitor Your Breathing	Asthma Journal: Record Your Progress
Asthma Emergency: Do You Need Help?	Asthma Home Remedies That Can Help	Air Humidifiers For Asthma

Many people with asthma find fewer complications when they find a management plan that really works. Read The SAFE Asthma Treatment Guide and discover the four steps to controlling asthma.  

With a little help from your doctor and the right plan of action, you can control your wheezing so that you can breathe easier.

And remember … any asthma treatment prescribed by a physician should always be taken as ordered, even if there are no symptoms. Your doctor is the gatekeeper to keeping you healthy.

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