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| Asthma Emergencies How long can you hold your breath? Thirty seconds? One minute? It may be fun to see who can hold their breath the longest, but for someone having a severe asthma attack, being able to breathe is not a game. Asthma flare-ups can become life-threatening and require emergency medical attention. Fortunately, if you are among the more than 17 million Americans who have asthma, there are steps you can take that may control this chronic lung disease and prevent it from interfering with your daily activities or affecting your quality of life. Step 1. Develop an action plan. Create an action plan with your doctor that will act as a blueprint for managing your asthma. An action plan usually includes keeping: A list of medications, dosages and when to take them. A record of peak flow readings to measure lung function. Step-by-step instructions on what to do in case of a flare-up. You may want to share this information with family or friends so they can help you in case of an emergency. Step 2. Avoid asthma triggers. Various factors can trigger asthma symptoms, including: Foods, such as milk, eggs, peanuts or fish. Allergens, such as pollens, molds, animal dander or dust mites. Environmental irritants, such as tobacco smoke or airborne chemicals. Viral, respiratory or sinus infections. Weather changes. Reflux disease (when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus). Strenuous physical exercise. Certain medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen or beta-blockers. Emotional anxiety. Asthma triggers will vary from person to person. Try to minimize exposure to those factors that you know will aggravate your asthma. Step 3. Take prescribed medications. Long-term controller medicines should be taken daily to reduce airway inflammation if you have persistent asthma symptoms. Quick-relief medications can be taken to provide temporary relief of symptoms. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions on the appropriate dosage and use of prescribed medications. Step 4. Know the warning signs of a flare-up and when to seek help. Follow instructions from your action plan if you start to see the early warning signs of a flare-up. Warning signs may include coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, rapid or irregular breathing, and restless sleep. Most flare-ups will go away when treated as recommended by your physician. Seek emergency care if your flare-up does not get better after you take your asthma medicine, if you have difficulty talking or walking, or if you notice a grey or bluish skin color around the mouth or under the fingernails. You may be able to control your asthma – instead of your asthma controlling you – by continually managing your symptoms and treating the condition appropriately. Asthma symptoms can change over time, so it is important to review your action plan periodically with your doctor and adjust medications as needed. To find out more about asthma, talk to your doctor or call 805-434-3500 to find a physician near you. |
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