There are no homemade solutions to asthma attacks, but medication, avoiding triggers, and creating an asthma action plan with a physician can help manage asthma symptoms. It is recommended to keep a rescue inhaler close by in case of an attack and regularly check its expiration date.
Asthma attacks can be life-threatening and seeking medical attention is necessary if symptoms persist after using the rescue inhaler. Despite popular beliefs, there is no scientific evidence to support home remedies for asthma. Instead, it is important to understand the efficacy of these remedies, where the evidence is lacking, and what actions should be taken during an asthma attack.
Signs of an Asthma Attack
Although an asthma attack can start off as minor, it can escalate quickly and become dangerous. During an attack, inflammation and swelling cause the airways to narrow, and the muscles surrounding them become tight. Additionally, excess mucus production can further obstruct air flow and cause difficulty breathing.
Typical indicators of an asthma attack include unrelenting coughing, wheezing while exhaling, breathing difficulties, rapid breathing, and a pale, sweaty face. Taking prompt action to treat symptoms can help prevent the attack from worsening, but if symptoms persist, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention.
Steps to take immediately
During an asthma attack:
When experiencing an asthma attack, it is essential to remain composed and take immediate action. Start by using your rescue medication inhaler, sitting or standing upright to facilitate better breathing. According to a 2013 study, standing up can improve airflow compared to sitting or lying down.
A peak flow meter can measure lung airflow and determine if your symptoms are improving.
If breathing difficulties persist or if you experience drowsiness after several minutes of using the inhaler, seek emergency medical help immediately. Avoid driving yourself to the hospital and instead call 911 if you are alone. Continue taking puffs from the inhaler while waiting for medical assistance to arrive.
Home made remedies
Examples of such remedies include:
1. Caffeinated tea or coffee
Some people believe that drinking caffeinated beverages such as black or green tea and coffee can alleviate asthma symptoms due to the caffeine content. Theophylline, a common asthma medication, functions similarly to caffeine by expanding the airways.
A 2010 review examined the effects of caffeine on asthma and discovered that it could moderately enhance respiratory function in individuals with asthma for up to four hours. However, further evidence is required to determine if caffeine can significantly alleviate asthma symptoms.
2. Eucalyptus essential oil
Eucalyptus essential oil, which contains 1.8-cineole as its main component, has been found in a 2016 study to have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce airway inflammation in mice, suggesting that it may be beneficial for people with asthma. However, it is important to note that essential oils, including eucalyptus, can release potentially harmful chemicals that may worsen asthma symptoms. It is therefore crucial to research the purity, safety, and quality of the brands of essential oils before use, as the FDA does not monitor them. Also, it is important to exercise caution when using essential oils and never use them during an asthma attack.
3. Lavender essential oil
Lavender essential oil is a potential alternative treatment option that may be helpful for asthma. According to a 2014 study, inhaling diffused lavender essential oil may reduce inflammation caused by allergies and assist with asthma symptoms. However, it is important to note that like other alternative treatments, lavender oil should not be used during emergencies.
4. Breathing exercises
Regular breathing training has been found in a 2014 research review to potentially improve asthma symptoms and enhance mental well-being while reducing the need for rescue medications. The exercises used in this training aim to decrease hyperventilation and can involve techniques such as breathing through the nose, slow breathing, and controlled breath holding. However, further research is required to determine the effectiveness of breathing exercises for asthma, and it should be noted that this technique is not appropriate to use during an asthma attack.
Causes
Asthma is commonly triggered by the immune system’s response to an allergen present in the environment. The severity of reactions can differ from person to person, and this may be influenced by genetics. Symptoms of asthma can be exacerbated during an asthma attack, which can be triggered by various factors such as animal fur, dust, mold, pollen, smoke (including tobacco smoke), air pollution, cold air, strong emotions like stress leading to hyperventilation, having a cold or the flu, or engaging in physical exercise. Failure to regularly manage asthma through preventive medication can increase the likelihood of experiencing an asthma attack.
Preventing asthma attacks
The most effective way to prevent asthma attacks is to avoid known irritants and triggers. In order to minimize triggers, one may need to take certain measures depending on their specific triggers, such as keeping their home clean to reduce dust and mold, staying indoors and keeping windows closed when air quality is poor, quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke, refraining from burning wood in a stove or fireplace, and bathing pets weekly while keeping them out of the bedroom. Annual flu and pneumonia vaccines can also be helpful in preventing asthma flare-ups caused by viruses. It is crucial to take medications as prescribed by a doctor, even if you are feeling well and haven’t had an asthma attack in a while. Regular appointments with a doctor can help evaluate and manage asthma effectively, including making necessary changes in treatment and ensuring proper use of inhalers.
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