Asthma is usually treated with the use of an inhaler, filled with medication that can offer instant relief and release from the pain of breathlessness, wheezing or coughing. It’s essential that sufferers keep their inhaler to hand and full at all times. However, there may be occasions when you can’t reach your inhaler and your symptoms are becoming more severe. In such a situation, you should learn some techniques that will prevent or stop an asthma attack.
The first thing to remember is not to panic and to sit down. A sitting position will help you breathe more easily and you can stay focused on recovering your breath until you feel more in control. While you’re seated, place all the fingers of one hand on the middle finger of your free hand. This is an ancient technique known as hand clasping and involves you simply holding that finger until your breathing returns to normal, which may be a matter of seconds or minutes.
Sip a glass of clean water – make sure it’s still, not sparkling – and keep sipping slowly to rehydrate your lungs fully. Another effective tip is to dissolve a pinch of salt on your tongue. Drink two full glasses of water, then place the salt on your tongue and let it slowly melt. Concentrate on breathing slowly and the feel of the salt crystals dissolving.
The onset of an asthma attack can causes panic and anxiety so distract yourself by doing something that takes your mind away from the attack. Focus on the horizon or on an object in the room, especially ones with curved edges, and trace the image with your eyes.
These five techniques can work best to prevent or stop an asthma attack when you combine them. Practise them when you’re in a calm frame of mind so that you instinctively know what to do when you feel your breathing becoming wheezy or laboured.
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