Things to do during an asthma attack relapse

World Asthma Day is an annual event that falls every May 2 organized by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA) to increase awareness and concern for asthma throughout the world.

The health research report by the Indonesian Ministry of Health in 2013 estimated the number of asthma patients in Indonesia to reach 4.5 percent of the total population.

According to WHO data in May 2014, the death rate due to asthma in Indonesia reached 24,773 people or around 1.77 percent of the total population deaths.

What is asthma?

Asthma is a condition where the airway is narrowed due to hyperactivity to certain stimuli. In addition to breathing difficulties, people with asthma can also experience other symptoms such as chest pain, coughing, and wheezing (breathing sounds).

Asthma is a disease that can occur to anyone and can occur at any age. However, asthma generally occurs more frequently in children and young adults.

Some asthma triggers can be caused by allergies to dust, flower extract or animal hair. Besides asthma can also be caused due to psychological pressure. Asthma experts also believe that asthma is a hereditary disease.

Things to do during an asthma attack relapse

1. Stop activities and sit down

If in the middle of your activity you experience an asthma attack, you should immediately stop your activity. Don't panic and should sit straight upright. Panic will only make the asthma attack worse.

2. Take a deep breath

Even though it's hard to breathe, try to stay calm and take a deep breath. Arrange breath slowly. Take the breath from the nose and remove it from the mouth.

This method is important to prevent asthma from getting worse and can make you breathe more deeply and effectively.

3. Immediately use emergency medicines

If you have asthma, you should always provide emergency asthma drugs that are intended to deal with asthma attacks.

So, after sitting down and while calming down, immediately take your inhaler. Spray one inhaler into the mouth and then take four deep breaths. Repeat spraying the inhaler four times and then wait a few minutes.

Asthma medications take several minutes to work effectively. However, if there are no changes, you should use the inhaler again.

4. Avoid asthma triggers

Asthma can occur as a result of you being allergic to dust, exposed to cigarette smoke or chemicals. If indeed you are sensitive to these things, you should be far away from the trigger as soon as possible.

If because of cigarette smoke, stay away from people who smoke. However, if you are allergic or sensitive to air or dust, you can enter a room that is free of all that. If the trigger is not shunned, an asthma attack can get worse.

5. Drink water

If indeed you do not carry emergency medicine, caffeinated drinks can be one of the first aid. Because caffeinated drinks can help relieve the respiratory tract.

In addition, try also to keep up with water needs, so as not to worsen asthma symptoms.

6. Ask for help

If the symptoms of asthma do not improve with medication or other methods, you should immediately ask for help from those around you.

Maybe at that time, you will have difficulty talking, walking, or even moving. Ask the people around you to call paramedics and ambulances so that your asthma is quickly treated.

7. See a doctor

While if you manage to get past a previous asthma attack and don't have to ask for medical help, you should still see a doctor. The sooner the doctor checks the better.

That way, the doctor will evaluate and see your condition further.