When you have asthma, you’ll usually use your inhaler to feel better. But you may have an attack in an area where you can’t get to your medication.
Luckily, there are things that you can do to breathe better when your inhaler is out of reach. If you are having an attack, or you feel one coming, try these techniques:
1. Sit Up
You may want to lie down when an attack hits. Don’t. If you do, or even if you only bend over, it could restrict your breathing more.
2. Focus on Your Breathing
The Buteyko method teaches you to breathe slowly and calmly through your nose instead of your mouth. If you use this technique, the air in your body will stay warm and moist.
This helps your airways become less sensitive when you breathe. The Papworth method uses breathing and relaxation exercises to help you learn special breath patterns.
It encourages more relaxed breathing and makes you more aware of the muscles you use when you take air in.
3. Stay Away from Triggers
Some things around you or in your home can make your asthma worse.
If you’re having an attack — or even if you’re not — try to stay away from these things as much as you can:
- Take some honey. If you eat a spoonful of it, or mix it into a glass of water, the honey will help get rid of phlegm in your throat.
- Drink caffeine. A coffee, soda, tea, or other drink with caffeine can help your airways open.
- Use eucalyptus oil. Put a couple of drops in a bowl of boiled water and breathe in the steam to help clear out blocked passageways.
- Try mustard oil. Warmed-up oil from mustard seeds can help you breathe.
None of these suggestions are recommended to replace one’s asthma plan. Reach out to your doctor for a refill on the inhaler or advice. If none of these suggestions help and you can’t find an inhaler, call your doctor. If your breathing gets worse or you start to feel drowsy, call 911 right away.
Sources:
- Mayo Clinic: “Asthma attack,” “Asthma.”
- Asthma UK: “Complementary therapies and asthma.”
- The Pan African Medical Journal: “Sleeping position and reported night-time asthma symptoms and medication.”
- International Pain Foundation: “8 Best Home Remedies for Asthma.”
- Cochrane: “The effect of caffeine in people with asthma.”
- American Family Physician: “How to Treat an Asthma Attack.”
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