subject: A Step-by-step Plan For A Possible Asthma Attack [print this page] A Step-by-step Plan For A Possible Asthma Attack
How many of you were diagnosed with Asthma as an ADULT like I was? It was QUITE shocking!
I'm active and like to hike, so I went to Spray Falls which is in the Mt. Rainier area, about 15 years ago. While traversing up the mountain, I had to continuously stop to catch my breath. This seemed odd. I couldn't figure it out. I wanted to get to the top to take pictures because the scenery was stunning, I just was having a hard time getting there. I eventually reached the top and took some pictures. I would love to go again someday.
Weeks after my hiking trip, I was still experiencing shortness of breath. Why was this happening suddenly? It made no sense! I was a little scared.
My allergist advised me that I had asthma. How could I have asthma? I'm an adult. How could this be? Why was this happening to me?
I was sent on my way loaded with an emergency and a daily preventive inhaler, which I refused to use. I was still in disbelief that I had asthma. One day I was out on a trail walking with a friend and suddenly I was out of air. I couldn't walk any further. All I had with me was a preventive inhaler, not the emergency inhaler. Why? I don't know. The preventive puffer won't work during an attack, so I suffered but survived.
I took that episode very seriously and started using my preventive inhaler twice daily. I felt better but my voice disappeared. I didn't really care about my voice at that point. I was grateful that I could breath.
My asthma eventually was under control and I was able to go to a lower daily dosage. After feeling fantastic for a long time, I decided to take it upon myself to completely stop using my daily inhaler right before spring. I mean, I was cured, right? Wait a minute, NOT SO FAST! I started having the worst attacks of my life. My husband used to have to drive me to air conditioned malls and movie theatres. A couple of nights we spent in hotels just for air. It was getting ridiculous and expensive!
I started using the inhaler again and have been using it for years on a daily basis. Actually now I am down to a puff every other day. When the flare ups occur, I go back to taking 2 puffs per day. There are emergency puffers and preventive puffers stashed around the house and in the cars. I never know when I'm going to have an attack.
I used to completely PANIC when having an Asthma attack, but I've learned secrets to deal with it and they've really helped me.
1. Designate a quiet place in your house like the bedroom. Take a puff and relax.
2. Buy a Humidifier or put a pan of hot water next to the bed. You might also jump in a hot steamy shower to open your lungs.
3. Don't go outside and breathe cold air, it can set off an attack.
4. Don't drink cold water, drink hot water daily. It's good to steam your lungs!
5. Talk to your doctor before going off of your daily inhaler. Never go off just because you feel better.
6. Don't eat until you are stuffed, it weighs on your lungs.
7. Stash emergency inhalers in your bedroom, family room, purse, and in your cars. Take them with you when you go anywhere.
8. Put hardwood floors into your house.
9. During pollen season, keep your windows closed. Install air conditioning if you can afford to.
10. To eliminate dust, buy a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner. Other Non-HEPA vacuums can redistribute dust in other parts of the house.
Always remember that If you are short of breath or think you have asthma please consult your health care professional.
