Asthma - Breathtaking

• Exposure to allergens - dust mites, fungi, pollen, animal hair 

• Pollution 

• Tobacco smoke 

• Physical exercise 

• Stress 

• Crying or laughing 

• Medicines - anti-inflammatory drugs
  

Recognising an asthma attack: 

• Wheezing 

• Cough, which gets worse at night 

• Chest tightness 

• Difficulty breathing 

What should I do in case of an asthma attack? 

• First of all, you should not panic because it can make the situation worse.  

• You should always carry medication for quick relief with you - short-acting bronchodilators.   

• Inhalers can be used 3 times, at 20-minute intervals, if necessary.   Attacks tend to disappear within five to ten minutes.   

• If you are unable to control the attack, seek for emergency care. 

• Before using the inhaler, check if it is working properly or, if it has not been used for more than 5 days, release 2 doses into the air. 

• Remove the cap  

• Shake the inhaler well 

• Hold the inhaler upright, between your fingers, with your index finger at the base of the inhaler 

• Exhale slowly releasing all the air in the lung. 

• Place your lips around the mouthpiece of the inhaler, between your teeth, and pucker your lips around it without biting. 

• Breathe in through your mouth and press the top of the inhaler to release the adequate amount of the medicine as you breathe in deeply.  

• Hold your breath for 10 seconds. 

• Resume breathing normally.

When you start using this type of device, try doing it in front of the mirror to see if a “mist” appears on the top of the inhaler or on the sides of your mouth. If this happens, you must start again.

Preventing attacks 

• Avoid contact with the attack triggering agent 

• Follow your treatment schedule strictly, obeying the doses and the frequency of the medication prescribed. 

• Learn how to use inhalers correctly. When in doubt, ask for a demonstration on how to use the device. 

• Assess your asthma condition from time to time, consulting a doctor when you feel that it is not under control.