Asthma attack Question
 

I was out running with a friend today and she had an asthma attack. She didn't have her inhaler with her and we were in the middle of the woods so I spent what seemed like 20-30 minutes with her as she tried to regain her breath. I tried to just give her space as she calmed down yet stay close enough I could give her some comfort. Anyways I know she should have had the inhaler with her but I was wondering if this situation happened again what are things I could do to help especially if the episode was worse than this last time?

for me cold water cold wet towel...she should breath through it since the cooler air feels good and helps. if you can get into some place air conditioned...

benadryl helps a little too.

Oh no, no no. Cold water is the last thing you want. It will constrict the "tubes" which you breathe through. I used to do the oppisite when I would have attacks, that is either drink warm liquids, or stand in a room with the shower on as hot as possible.

I can't honestly think of anything you can do to help her in the middle of the woods without supplies. I would simply suggest her lying on her back and try to calm down. Often, the mental anxiety of not being able to breathe compounds the physical problem. I would rag on her for being unprepaired and without her inhailer. She may not think it's very seriouse, but trust me, coming from someone who has been to the hospital many times, blue in the face, IT IS>

I've had lots of EMT people say to me "roll up the windows in your car and turn up the AC that should help. Here in Manila right now I've been going from humid muggy outdoors which has set off a few small asthma tightness issues. Going into AC rooms helps tremendously, up to a point then it gets too cold and then the bronchitis sets in.

The best thing for you to do in that situation is to get her to breathe as slowly and deeply as possible. You see... when you have a bronchospasm during exercise you have two problems. First, is the actual constriction of the bronchioles. Second is large winds through small air spaces cause something called dynamic airway collapse. The effect is sort of like the sound a balloon makes as you let go the end and the air rushes out. Once enough air escapes, the pressure gradient reduces and the airflow becomes more laminar.

So... stop exercise...slow deep breaths. Get inhaler quickly.

I had a roommate in college - Her parents used to give her Vodka when she'd have an attack. She said it worked better than an inhaler. It wasn't her excuse to drink cause at our college alcohol was prohibited on pain of expulsion. I haven't had experience with using Vodka myself. Lying down can help - I know it helps hubby. Cough drops seem to give him MINOR relief as well. I'm not sure if it helps severe asthmatics though. Scary situation to see or be in for sure.

Laying down coupled with deep breaths and caffeine have helped me. Trying to stay calm is best, to reduce anxiety and stress for the asthmatic and her companions. Always have a cell phone handy, just in case she can't tell you what to do. You can call her mom, or an ambulance depending on the situation. Asl if she knows where her inhaler is, you may need to go get it for her.

I know I sat my SO down and told him what happens, what I need to get better, and how to set up my breathing treatments. It helped him to calm down about it when I have issues.