How to Survive an Asthma Attack Without Inhaler

Some asthma attacks require immediate medical attention and should not be managed at home. 

Call for emergency help right away if you or someone nearby experiences any of the following:

• Severe shortness of breath even while lying in bed
• Difficulty speaking in full sentences due to breathlessness
• Lips or fingertips turning blue or grey
• Severe or worsening chest tightness
• Confusion, drowsiness, exhaustion, or fainting
• Symptoms that do not improve or continue to worsen despite resting and moving away from triggers
• No relief after using a reliever inhaler, if one becomes available 

Do not wait to see if these symptoms pass on their own. A severe asthma attack can become life-threatening quickly. When in doubt, call for emergency medical help immediately.

If you are experiencing an asthma attack at home or elsewhere without your inhaler, these steps may help temporarily while you seek proper asthma first aid or medical care: 

1. Sit upright

Stop whatever you are doing and sit upright. Bending over or lying down can further constrict your breathing. 

2. Take slow, steady breaths

Try to breathe slowly and steadily rather than taking rapid or forced breaths. Breathe in gently through your nose if possible, and breathe out slowly through your mouth. This may help reduce shortness of breath and prevent hyperventilation. 

3. Stay calm

Staying calm may prevent further tightening of your chest muscles and make your breathing easier.  This is not always easy during an asthma emergency, but try to focus on breathing slowly and steadily. 

4. Get away from the trigger

The asthma attack could be triggered by dust, cigarette smoke, haze, or the smell of chemicals (e.g., ammonia, chlorine gas, sulphur dioxide). Get away from the trigger as soon as possible and go to an air-conditioned environment or any place with clean air. 

5. Take a hot caffeinated beverage 

Warm caffeinated drinks like coffee can help to open up the airways slightly, providing some relief for an hour or two. While it may provide relief for some people, it is not a substitute for a reliever inhaler or emergency treatment. 

6. Seek emergency medical help

Seek urgent medical help if wheezing and breathlessness, coughing, or chest tightness is severe, worsening, or not improving. Do not wait too long for symptoms to subside if the person is struggling to breathe. Emergency asthma care should not be delayed.

During an asthma emergency, knowing what to avoid is just as important as knowing what to do. Keep the following in mind:

• Do not lie flat
• Do not continue exercising or walking around
• Do not stay near smoke, haze, dust, chemicals, or strong smells
• Do not rely on home remedies alone — temporary coping steps may help reduce discomfort, but they are not a replacement for a reliever inhaler or proper asthma attack treatment.
• Do not delay emergency care if symptoms are severe or worsening
• Do not drive yourself to hospital if you are very breathless, dizzy, or faint

Caffeine is chemically related to theophylline, a drug used to treat asthma, and may act as a weak bronchodilator for some people.

A warm drink, such as coffee or tea, may provide very slight, temporary relief while waiting for a reliever inhaler or medical help.

However, there are important caveats to keep in mind:

• Caffeine is not an asthma attack treatment and should never replace a rescue inhaler or emergency care
• Do not give hot drinks to someone who is very breathless, confused, drowsy, or at risk of choking
• Do not let this delay calling for emergency help if symptoms are severe or worsening
• Caffeine may have adverse effects for pregnant women, children, adolescents, and those with certain heart conditions, and may interfere with some medications. If unsure, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Even if you have recovered from an asthma attack, follow-up care with your doctor is an important next step. A review appointment can help identify what triggered the attack, adjust your treatment plan, and reduce the risk of it happening again.

See a doctor if any of the following applies:

The asthma attack was severe or frightening

• Symptoms returned after initial improvement
• You needed urgent care or emergency services
• You have been using your reliever inhaler more often than usual
• Asthma symptoms are affecting your sleep, work, school, or exercise
• You are unsure how to use your inhaler correctly
• Your asthma action plan is outdated, or you do not have one
• You experience frequent wheezing and breathlessness, coughing, or chest tightness

Regular follow-up with your doctor is an important part of learning how to manage asthma better and reducing the risk of future attacks.

An asthma attack without an inhaler can be dangerous. Sitting upright, staying calm, breathing slowly, and moving away from asthma triggers may help temporarily — but these are coping steps only.

Use your reliever inhaler as soon as it becomes available, and seek urgent medical help if symptoms are severe, worsening, or not improving.

The best preparation is to always carry your inhaler and have an up-to-date asthma action plan in place.

Ref: T12 (seo)

Related articles:
Asthma: 4 ​Tips to Manage It

Common Asthma Triggers at Home

​7 Tips to Cope With Pet Allergies