Asthma attacks occur when the individual is exposed to triggers, shock, pollution etc. Most people have mild symptoms which last for a few hours and end soon after medication. Other cases are severe and can lead to death. Severe asthma attacks require quick medical attention. It is crucial to recognize the symptoms of an asthma attack early enough and get the appropriate treatment. If other treated immediately, the victims breathing continues to worsen becoming more labored and the wheezing louder.
During asthma episodes, the lungs tighten limiting air flow, this produces the wheezing sound. As the attack worsens, the lungs become tighter and the wheezing sound stops. The silent state (known as silent chest) is grave and you should immediately call emergency medical help (911) or rush the victim to the hospital. Most people assume that the victim is getting better when the wheezing stops which is very wrong. Without medication, the victim will stop speaking and acquire a bluish tint on the lips (cyanosis). As body organs suffer oxygen shortage, the victim might collapse, fall unconscious and eventually die.
It is important to recognize early signs of asthma and seek treatment before the victim condition gets worse. Before an attack the person will experience mild symptoms which are least likely to interrupt their daily activities.
The early symptoms of an asthma attack include:
- Frequent coughs which occur mostly at night
- Shortness of breath
- Lower peak flow meter readings
- Tiring easily especially after exercising
- General body weakness
- Trouble sleeping which occur from night-time asthma
- Signs of allergies or cold which include running nose, headache sore throat, nose congestion and sore throat.
First Aid for the Patitents Having the Asthma Attack
When you encounter a victim having asthma attack, treat it as an emergency and call medical services by dialing 911. Important to note that the victims condition can worsen very fast.
- First let the victim sit in a relaxed position
- Loosen any tight clothing
- If the victim has an inhaler, let them use it immediately
- If no inhaler available, use one from a first aid kit
- Do not use another person’s inhaler
How to Use an Inhaler With a Spacer?
- Use inhaler with a spacer if available
- Take off the inhaler cap and shake it properly
- Place the inhaler in the spacer
- Instruct the victim to breath out completely.
- Have the victim place their mouth tightly around the spacer mouthpiece.
- Deliver a puff by pressing the inhaler once
- The victim should then breath in slowly through their mouth and hold in breath for ten seconds.
- Allow one minute between puffs
- Give the victim four puffs
How to use Inhaler without spacer
- Loose the cap and shake the inhaler
- Have the victim breath out completely
- Place the inhaler mouthpiece around the victims mouth
- Let the person breath in slowly for about five to ten seconds as you press the inhaler once, then hold their breath for ten seconds.
- Give the victim four puffs each one minute apart.
- Allow the victims four minutes and if the victim still has trouble breathing after the four puffs, give them another four. If no improvement in the victims breathing after the next set of puffs, give up to eight puffs every 20 minutes to a maximum of four hours until emergency medical services arrive.
- Monitor the victim until emergency response teams arrives. Drowsiness and loss of the wheezing could be a sign of worsening of the victims condition.
The post originally published here.
