Caption: Asthma requires constant care and proper management at all times. However, should you be caught without your inhaler due to unforeseen circumstances during an asthma attack, Associate Professor Loo Chian Min, Head and Senior Consultant, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Singapore General Hospital (SGH), offers coping tips. (iStock photo)
"Never, ever let up on your asthma medications even if you feel your asthma has improved," advices
Associate Professor Loo Chian Min, Head and Senior Consultant,
Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine,
Singapore General Hospital (SGH), a member of the
SingHealth group.
However, should there be an incident when you are suddenly caught without your inhaler during an asthma attack, try these coping techniques.
Asthma attack: What to do if you do not have an inhaler with you
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First and foremost – Stay calm
Staying calm may prevent further tightening of your chest muscles and help make breathing easier. -
Sit upright
Stop whatever you are doing and sit upright. Bending over or lying down can constrict your breathing even more.
Related article: Tips to keep your asthma under control (VIDEO) Related article: How to correctly use asthma inhalers (VIDEO)
- Take long, deep breaths
This will help slow down your breathing and prevent hyperventilation. Breathe in through your nose and breathe out through your mouth. -
Get away from the asthma trigger
The asthma attack could have been triggered by dust, cigarette smoke or the smell of chemicals (e.g., ammonia, chlorine gas, sulphur dioxide). Get away from any source of trigger as soon as possible and go to an air-conditioned environment or any place with clean air.
Related article:
Having asthma means you will have allergies too. Fact or myth?
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Take a hot caffeinated beverage
Hot caffeinated drinks like coffee can help to open up the airways slightly, providing some relief for an hour or two. -
Seek emergency medical help
If the wheezing, coughing and breathing difficulty continue even after a period of rest, seek immediate medical attention.
Related article:
Asthma triggers at home you may have missed
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