Safety Tips for Asthma

1. Wash your sheets, pillows and mattress covers regularly with HOT water to get rid of dust mites.
2. Use a dehumidifier in your bedroom to avoid extra moisture in the air which can cause mold.
3. Keep your pets off your bed and couches!
4. Avoid having carpet in your bedrooms, but if your house already has carpeting, be sure to vacuum twice per week.
5. Avoid smoky bars or venues that allow people to smoke indoors.
6. Use natural cleaning products and steer away from products with harsh chemicals.
7. Avoid stressful situations where your asthma can be triggered.
8. Especially during extremely hot or cold times of the year, avoid working out outside.
9. Give your co-workers and friends a heads up about your asthma so that they're aware of your condition in case of an emergency.
10. Always have an inhaler or quick-relief asthma medicine available or close by. 

How To Know If Someone Is Having an Asthma Attack:

Patients with severe or chronic asthma are at risk for attacks that can become threatening really quickly, that's why it's important to know about safety tips for asthma. How do you know though, if someone is having an asthma attack and what should you do?

How do you know if someone is having an asthma attack?

The person starts coughing or has a really hard time catching their breath. They will be wheezing and motioning that they are experiencing tightness in their chest. It will be difficult for them to speak and they will feel like their breathing is getting faster and faster, without  being able to catch their breath. 

What do you do if someone is having an asthma attack?

First, ask if they have an inhaler or quick-relief medication available. The person should sit down and try to take slow, stead breaths. Panicking or running around like a chicken with your head cut off will only make the asthma attack worse, so try to remain calm. If they have an inhaler, help the person take one puff of the inhaler every 30 to 60 seconds until they feel relief.

If the patient does not have an inhaler, have them sit upright as quickly as possible. They need to take long, deep breaths - sometimes, sitting next to them and having them breathe with you can help. Some people recommend drinking a hot beverage, but the most important thing you can do is seek emergency help right away.