Severe Asthma: It Can Be Deadly In The Wrong Situation

Severe asthma can be life threatening in the any situation. Some people get severe asthma attacks may lead to respiratory arrest and death.

Looking for asthma management is the key to handling asthma symptoms effectively and safely. 

When an individual suffers with severe asthma, the right information can be a lifesaver. It can help anyone who suffers with dangerous symptoms and the dangers that goes with it.

These are the facts and information you need to help you take the right steps to reduce your asthma attacks hospital stays, and chronic illness.

Dangerous Signs To Watch For

Asthma is a condition where due to certain stimuli a person experiences narrowing of air passages and difficulty in breathing. Treatment for asthma should be done under the guidance of a doctor and should be planned carefully. 

The key lies in recognizing the causes and managing the condition such that you are in control of the situation.

The following characteristics identify adults, adolescents or children who are potentially at risk from life-threatening asthma, and indicate the need for close follow-up:

• Require three or more medications to control symptoms or need for continuous or multiple courses of oral corticosteroids. Inadequate treatment or poor adherence to treatment, especially in teenagers or young adults.
• A history of admission to an intensive care facility - Frequent visits to emergency department or GP with acute asthma, or hospital admission for asthma in previous 12 months.
• Excessive reliance on inhaled bronchodilators. Asthma triggered by aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). 
• Denial of asthma as a problem, or other overt psychosocial problems. Night-time attacks, especially associated with severe chest tightness or ‘choking’.
• Poor asthma control: 
• persistent morning dips in PEF (< 60% recent best)   marked (> 25%) diurnal variation in PEF in adults. Failure to perceive asthma symptoms when spirometric values are decreased.

Should you should experience any of the above symptoms including restless sleep and unusual fatigue then you should go to the hospital. At the very least, you should contact your care giver. To prevent  severe asthma, you should adopt a safety first approach and start an asthma management plan  to safeguard your health.

Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you or your family member suffers a severe asthma attack. Time is very important when you are dealing with breathing problems.

Severe Asthma -- How To Help Someone Having An Attack

A severe asthma attack can make it almost impossible to breathe. Knowing the basics of asthma treatment can help someone who is experienci an bad episode. 

If you are able to provide the right asthma treatment, it might possibly save someone’s life. 

Here are key facts you should know. 

1 - Keep Calm 

During a bout of asthma, patients find it easier to breathe while sitting up than lying down. So help them get into a comfortable sitting position. This will help the person remain calm as well. If he panics, it will worsen the asthma attack and make it far more difficult to breathe. 

So talk to him calmly, to reinforce the feeling that everything is under control. This is vitally important. 

2 - Ask The Person Having An Asthma Attack

Most asthma patients know what they need to do to deal with an attack. So it is best to ask them. Ask if they have an inhaler and where it is. If they don’t have one, ask them if you should call for help. 

3 - Look For A Rescue Inhaler

Many asthma patients 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 explaining what needs to be done can be invaluable. If there is such a card, just do as it says. 

Help them use the inhaler. An inhaler is designed to deliver a specific dose of asthma medication. It relaxes the person’s airways and helps to restore normal breathing. 

4 - Wait For Slow Easy Breathing

In general, you should give two to four puffs of the inhaler and then wait for about five minutes for the next dose. Position the mouthpiece of the inhaler between the person’s lips. Let him know when you are about to give a puff so that he can breathe in at the same time. 

Once you’ve given medication, observe the person for several minutes. Is it getting easier for him to breathe? 

5 - Call For Help If Necessary

If it appears that they are not responding to the medication within ten minutes, call an ambulance. 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. 

Being aware of these asthma treatment basics will help you deal effectively with many emergency situations.

Do everything you can to keep your asthma symptoms under control. If you're having frequent asthma attacks or are otherwise bothered by your asthma, see your doctor as soon as possible for additional help. 

Battling Severe Asthma: How To Use Asthma Products For Daily Help 

Asthma products are a great help for anyone with this respiratory problem. It is very hard to live with a breathing condition such as asthma. For those who currently dealing with it, they are always looking for new ways to improve their breathing.

Asthma products can help you to manage it on a daily basis. If you suffer with asthma has been diagnosed by a physician, these products may be for you.

Peak Flow Meter 

Peak flow meters are used to measure the strength and function of the lungs. These simple devices are hand-held, extremely easy to use. With diligent use, you can recognize an oncoming attack. 

Each morning you can use your peak flow meter to measure the amount of air getting in and out of your lungs. 

If you implement a new product and the readings from your peak flow meter are drastic, this may signify either a turn for the better or worse. You can add this information to an asthma journal so that you can record which treatment regime worked for you.

Nebulizer

Asthma nebulizers are very effective in delivering medication to certain people who have trouble taking standard asthma medication. This device changes the medicine into a breathable mist that can be inhaled through a face mask. Because the medicine is vaporized, a higher dosage is delivered to a person in need. Since the mist goes directly to the lungs, relief is almost instantaneous. If your asthma symptoms are moderate or severe, you should look into a nebulizer kit that you can keep at home.

Holding Chamber

This device attaches to an inhaler to bring more asthma medication directly to the lungs. The chamber extends the inhaler and reduces the amount of medication that is lost into the air. A holding chamber suspends medication for a few seconds so that it can be inhaled properly. This device is particularly useful for the very young and old who have trouble breathing in their asthma medication. If you know of someone who is not able to use an inhaler correctly, this might be an option for this person.

Look closely and do not try to save a little money by buying a cheaper model.  These could malfunction and make things worse. 

Shopping around and buying from reputable dealers is the best way to get top quality products. The best place to locate some of these dealers is through the web and many of them have top quality products to offer. 

Asthma Management … What Is Next?

Asthma management have come a long way in helping asthma sufferers. You don’t have to feel helpless when it comes to this disease. Whether you work out in the heat or ski in extreme temperatures, you should feel confident that there are asthma remedies that can help you to prevent a severe asthma attack.

Asthma remedies are a great help for anyone with this respiratory problem. It is very hard to live with a breathing condition such as asthma. For those who currently dealing with it, they are always looking for new ways to improve their breathing.

More Information
On The Safest Asthma Treatments

Asthma does not have to leave you breathless. Even though it can be difficult to live with, it can be successfully controlled.  With the right therapy, you can take your life back. If you want to learn about different medical treatments and natural remedies, take a peek at:

An Easy Definition...	Do I Have Asthma?	Asthma Symptoms
Science Of An Asthma Attack	Causes Of Asthma	Severe Asthma
Complications Of Asthma	Allergies And Asthma	Stress And Asthma

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