When Asthma Strikes Be
Prepared
How to prepare for asthma attack may sound
like an unusual concept to consider, but proper preparation can actually
mean the difference between life and death. Asthma attacks can come on
suddenly and range from mild to severe, so the more you can stay on top of
your symptoms, the better off you’ll be. Take a few moments to prepare
yourself and you’ll reduce your reaction time during an attack drastically.
The first step in being prepared is being aware of your triggers and of the
warning signs that an attack is imminent. If you know what triggers your
attacks, it is that much easier to avoid those substances or situations.
Anything from weather extremes to physical activity to allergens like dust
and mold can be a potential trigger, and specific triggers will vary from
patient to patient, so the sooner you can identify your own the better.
There are certain physical warning signs of an attack that you should be on
the lookout for. These can include a bluish tinge to the lips or
fingernails, tightening of the chest, excess sweating and a whistling sound
when breathing. This whistling, a side effect of air being forced through
narrowed passages in the lungs, is called wheezing.
One of the most important things to remember when considering how to prepare
for asthma attack is to be aware of these warning signs and seek medical
help at their earliest onset. The quicker you can get treatment, the better
your chances of preventing the attack from becoming serious or even life
threatening.
Another important step is to talk to your doctor so he can prescribe some
sort of rescue medication. This is a medication, often taken orally using an
inhaler, which can provide immediate relief when symptoms first occur.
Often, this rescue medication is all that will be necessary to fight off an
attack, but if it doesn’t get the job done you’ll need to take other steps
and this is where further preparation comes in.
Because the onset of an attack can sometimes make it difficult for the
sufferer to communicate properly, it is important that you write down ahead
of time all of the necessary steps that need to be taken in the event of an
attack. You should keep this plan, along with your doctor’s telephone
number, near your phone at all times. You should also carry a copy with you
so that you have it no matter where you go.
Keep your plan in an easy to find location and let anyone else who is with
you for a prolonged period of time know about it so that they will be
prepared as well. By following these simple guidelines to how to prepare for
asthma attack, you can rest easy knowing that you will be safe in case of an
emergency.
Asthma can be a serious illness, but you don’t have to be held hostage to
it. Just take a few minutes to put together an emergency plan and make sure
you always have your rescue medication on hand and you should be able to
handle any attack. Being prepared may be the best move you ever make!
Wishing you the best of health
The Allergy Store
