Managing Asthma Attacks When an Inhaler Isn't Available

Recognizing the Signs of an Asthma Flare Up

Asthma causes inflammation and narrowing of the bronchial airways, leading to wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Allergy triggers, illness, stress and other factors can suddenly worsen symptoms, resulting in an asthma attack.

Common Asthma Attack Symptoms

Signs of an asthma flare up and attack include:

• Intense wheezing when breathing out
• Fast, shallow breathing using chest and neck muscles
• Inability to take a full deep breath
• Coughing that won’t stop
• Chest pain or tightness
• Rapid heart rate
• Hunched posture with shoulders raised
• Tightened neck and chest muscles
• Flaring nostrils when attempting to breathe

Escalating a Mild to a Severe Attack

Many factors during an attack can cause asthma to quickly worsen, including:

• Exposure to additional triggers like smoke or allergens
• Viral respiratory infections
• Stress, anxiety, and panic
• Overuse of fast-acting inhalers
• Delaying treatment with controller medications

Dangers of Severe Uncontrolled Asthma Attacks

Letting flare ups progress to severe attacks without properly treating with fast-acting bronchodilators greatly raises complications risks including:

Respiratory Arrest

As airways swell and fill with mucus, breathing becomes extremely difficult and oxygen levels drop dangerously low. Eventually the lungs can shut down completely, requiring emergency intubation.

Air Leaking Into Chest Cavity

High pressure within airways can cause air to escape and get trapped outside the lungs, causing a collapsed lung or pneumothorax. This is a life-threatening crisis.

Respiratory Infection

Struggling to breathe deeply due to constricted airways increases risk of developing pneumonia or other secondary lung infections.

Heart Attack or Stroke

The low oxygen of prolonged attacks strains the heart. Possible complications include abnormal heart rhythms, heart failure, heart attack or stroke.

Managing An Attack Without an Inhaler

Those having an asthma flare up without access to a bronchodilator inhaler can utilize these emergency techniques to try opening airways:

Sit Upright and Loosen Clothing

Proper positioning allows lungs to expand better. Remove anything tight around neck and waist so breathing isn’t restricted.

Try Pursed Lip Breathing

Breathe in slowly through nose, then purse lips tightly while breathing out for double the length. This helps control air flow.

Use Hands As an Inhaler

Cup hands tightly around mouth and nose and breathe slowly in and out for 5-10 minutes. Rebreathing air may provide slight relief.

Attempt Airway Clearance Techniques

Cough deeply working from chest up or try huff coughs. Draining mucus may assist if breathing issues stem from secretions.

Stay Calm and Get Emergency Help

Panicking worsens breathing capability. Call 911 or get to an ER immediately during any severe, lasting attack.

Preventing Attacks When Inhaler Isn't Available

Those prone to severe asthma exacerbations without their rescue inhaler on hand can take precautions to avoid attacks.

Have Multiple Inhalers

Keep fast-acting bronchodilator inhalers in common locations – home, work, school, bags – to ensure access during flare up.

Identify and Avoid Triggers

Preventing attacks through trigger avoidance is crucial. Common asthma triggers include allergies, smoke, weather changes, viruses and stress.

Follow an Asthma Action Plan

Work with your doctor to create a personalized plan for handling worsening asthma. Know your symptoms and exactly when to start oral steroids.

Monitor Symptoms

Track coughing, wheezing and peak flows so you can intervene at first signs your asthma is destabilizing before it progresses to an attack.

Take Control Medications Consistently

Using inhaled corticosteroids as prescribed keeps chronic inflammation at bay, reducing flare up frequency and severity.

What to Do After an Asthma Attack

Recovering properly after any asthma exacerbation can get breathing stable again more quickly while determining if adjustments in care are needed.

See Your Doctor Promptly

Make an appointment after any moderate or severe attack. Your doctor can check for complications and help identify trigger sources.

Update Your Asthma Action Plan

Work with your care team to modify medications, treatments and emergency instructions to better prevent and control future asthma attacks.

Rule Out Other Health Issues

Sudden severe attacks may indicate an underlying problem like reflux, sinusitis or COPD needing specific treatment.

Examine Possible Trigger Sources

Think back to unveil any new exposures to pets, smoke, chemicals or food that could have set off your breathing issues.

Give Lungs Time to Heal

After an asthma attack, airways remain inflamed. Avoid strenuous activity and triggers that could compound irritation during the recovery period.

Implementing Additional Asthma Self-Care Strategies

Making positive lifestyle adjustments minimizes the chronic inflammation driving asthma attacks in the first place.

Quit Smoking and Vaping

Inhaling smoke, vaping chemicals or secondhand fumes creates severe lung irritation making attacks much more likely.

Reduce Stress Through Relaxation Techniques

Learning to short circuit the stress response with meditation, yoga and deep breathing prevents anxiety from worsening asthma symptoms.

Aim for a Healthy Weight

Excess weight strains breathing and can worsen inflammation. Losing even a small percentage of body fat can improve asthma control.

Increase Cardiovascular Exercise as Tolerated

Staying active strengthens respiratory muscles, but be sure to warmup, use inhaler beforehand and stop if wheezing.

While inhalers remain the first line of defense, putting these alternative methods into action buys critical time until emergency medical treatment during any asthma attack without access to medications.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.