Managing an Asthma Attack Sans Inhaler

Mark the Moment. Asthma attacks typically endure for about five to 10 minutes, so it's wise to glance at the clock and note the time. If your breathing hasn't normalized within 15 minutes, seeking medical aid is imperative.

Remain seated or if standing, sit down. Maintaining an upright sitting position is optimal for regaining control of your breathing. Avoid reclining or lying down as this could exacerbate breathing difficulties.

Loosen any constrictive clothing. Tight pants or snug collars can hinder breathing. Take a moment to adjust your clothing if you feel it's impeding your ability to breathe comfortably.

Breathe deeply and slowly, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth. Relax your body and focus solely on your breath. Counting slowly to five while inhaling and exhaling can aid in maintaining calmness. Consider closing your eyes or focusing on an object to help manage your breathing.

• Focus on drawing air down into your abdomen as you inhale, utilizing your diaphragm to facilitate deeper breaths.
• To ensure proper deep breathing, place one hand on your abdomen (just below your ribcage) and the other on your chest. You should notice movement in the hand on your abdomen while the hand on your chest remains still.

Seek emergency assistance if symptoms persist. If after 15 minutes you're still experiencing breathing difficulties, seek immediate medical help. If the attack is severe or causing extreme discomfort, do not hesitate to seek medical attention sooner. Signs that require immediate medical assistance include:

• Inability to speak in complete sentences
• Sweating due to breathing difficulty
• Rapid breathing
• Noticeable pale or bluish nail beds or skin

Request company. Informing someone about your asthma attack is advisable, particularly if hospitalization may be necessary. Having someone beside you during the episode can alleviate anxiety.

• If you're alone in a public place, seek assistance from a passerby. Politely ask, “I'm experiencing an asthma attack without my inhaler. Would you mind staying with me until my breathing normalizes?”

Enjoy a cup of coffee or strong black tea. Consuming one to two cups of caffeinated coffee or tea may aid in managing an asthma attack. Caffeine metabolizes into theophylline, a component found in some asthma medications. Additionally, the warmth of the beverage can help loosen phlegm and mucus, facilitating easier breathing.

• Limit intake to two cups to prevent rapid heartbeat.

Experiment with acupressure. Applying pressure to lung acupressure points can induce muscle relaxation and restore normal breathing. Apply gentle pressure to the area above your armpits, just in front of your shoulders. Allocate equal time to each shoulder.

• If assistance is available, there's a pressure point on the inner part of your shoulder blade, approximately an inch below the upper edge. Ask for a few minutes of pressure on these points to alleviate your asthma symptoms.

Utilize steam to clear air passages. Steam can alleviate breathing difficulties by opening up air passages. If at home, take a hot shower and sit in the bathroom with the door closed for 10-15 minutes. Inhaling steam can provide relief.

• Alternatively, use a humidifier or fill your bathroom sink with hot water, then lean over it with a towel draped over your head to capture the steam.

Change your surroundings. Sometimes, a change of environment can alleviate stress and aid in controlling breathing. A new setting may promote relaxation and assist in restoring normal breathing.

• For instance, if at home, transition from the kitchen to the living room. In a public space, consider stepping into a restroom or going outdoors for a brief respite.

Educate yourself on common triggers. Asthma attacks can be triggered by various substances or events. Identifying and avoiding these triggers is crucial for managing asthma. Common triggers include:

• Allergens such as dust, pet dander, cockroaches, mold, and pollen
• Irritants like chemicals, cigarette smoke, air pollution, and dust
• Certain medications like aspirin, NSAIDs, and non-selective beta-blockers
• Food preservatives like sulfites
• Respiratory infections such as colds and viral lung infections
• Physical exertion and exercise
• Cold or dry air
• Health conditions including heartburn, stress, and sleep apnea

Maintain a trigger diary. Keeping a diary of your diet and encounters with common triggers can help identify patterns. If you experience an asthma attack, refer to your diary to pinpoint potential triggers. Avoiding these triggers in the future can reduce the risk of future attacks.

• If you're aware of your asthma triggers, take proactive measures to avoid them.

Undergo testing for food allergies. Food allergies involve specific immune molecules, particularly IgE, which trigger the release of histamine and other allergic mediators. If you notice asthma attacks following meals, a food allergy might be the culprit. Consult an allergist for food allergy testing.

Assess for potential food sensitivities. Food sensitivities, although distinct from allergies, can also trigger asthma attacks. They are fairly common, with one study indicating that 75% of asthmatic children have food sensitivities. To identify potential sensitivities, monitor foods that seem to trigger asthma attacks and inform your allergist. Common food sensitivities include:

• Gluten (found in wheat products)
• Casein (found in dairy)
• Eggs
• Citrus fruits
• Peanuts
• Chocolate

Increase your vitamin C intake. Studies show that supplementing with vitamin C can lessen the severity of asthma attacks. Take 500 mg of vitamin C daily, unless you have kidney disease. Additionally, incorporate vitamin C-rich foods into your diet, such as:

• Citrus fruits like oranges and grapefruit
• Berries
• Cantaloupe
• Kiwis
• Broccoli
• Sweet potatoes
• Tomatoes

Incorporate molybdenum-rich foods into your diet. Molybdenum, a trace mineral, is essential for health. The recommended daily intake varies by age and gender. Most multivitamins contain molybdenum, or you can purchase it separately. Foods rich in molybdenum include:

• Beans
• Lentils
• Peas
• Leafy vegetables
• Milk
• Cheese
• Nuts
• Organ meats

Opt for selenium-rich sources. Selenium is vital for managing inflammation. When choosing a supplement, opt for selenomethionine for better absorption. Do not exceed 200 mcg of selenium per day to avoid toxicity. Food sources of selenium include:

• Wheat
• Crab
• Liver
• Poultry

Consider taking a vitamin B6 supplement. Vitamin B6 participates in over 100 bodily reactions, aiding in inflammation reduction and bolstering the immune system. Recommended daily intake varies by age and gender. Optimal food sources of Vitamin B6 include:

• Salmon
• Potatoes
• Turkey
• Chicken
• Avocados
• Spinach
• Bananas

Incorporate a vitamin B12 supplement. Low vitamin B12 levels may exacerbate asthma symptoms. Recommended daily intake varies by age and gender. Food sources rich in vitamin B12 include:

• Meats
• Seafood
• Fish
• Cheese
• Eggs

Integrate Omega-3-rich foods. Omega-3 fatty acids possess anti-inflammatory properties. Aim for a daily intake of 2000 mg of both EPA and DHA. Sources of omega-3s include:

• Salmon
• Anchovies
• Mackerel
• Herring
• Sardines
• Tuna
• Walnuts
• Flaxseeds
• Canola oil

Explore herbal supplements. Certain herbs may aid in asthma treatment, but consult your physician beforehand, especially if taking medications. Follow manufacturer's instructions for supplements. For herbal tea, steep one teaspoon of dried herb or three teaspoons of fresh herbs in one cup of boiled water for 10 minutes. Consume three to four cups daily.

• Licorice root
• Lobelia inflata (Indian tobacco)