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Asthma: Treatment and Prevention
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that in 2003, nearly 30 million Americans were affected by asthma. Most common among children and young adults, asthma is an ongoing illness in which airways have ongoing swelling. An asthma attach happens when a trigger affects the airways, causing them to suddenly swell and narrow, and make breathing difficult.
Asthma is caused by a number of triggers, such as exercise, cold weather, allergens, or even strong emotions. If someone in your care suffers from asthma, it is important to take the right steps to prevent an asthma attack, and to provide proper treatment if one does occur.
You can take steps towards preventing an asthma attack by avoiding environments that contain a lot of dust, smoke, plants, mold, perfume or animal fur and feathers. Asthma can also be linked to infections, so always remember to wash hands regularly and clean surfaces such as telephones and counters frequently with a virus-killing disinfectant.
You can often tell when a person is having an asthma attack by the hoarse whistling sound they may make while exhaling. They may also have shortness of breath, rapid, shallow breathing, or may be unable to talk without stopping for breath. The person may also be sweating, complain of tightness in their chest, and feel frightened or confused. If you notice these symptoms, encourage the person to sit down, try to relax and take long deep breaths in through their nose and out through their mouth.
If the person uses an asthma inhaler, help them administer the medication. Note the time of administration and any change in the person’s condition. Stay with the person and monitor their condition until they are able to breathe regularly. If symptoms do not improve quickly, call 9-1-1 or a local emergency number.
You can learn more about responding to asthma attacks and other emergencies by taking an American Red Cross Asthma Inhaler Training Lesson, or by enrolling in a first aid and CPR/AED course. For more information, contact your local chapter, visit www.redcross.org or call 1-800-667-2968.
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