How to Help a Loved One with Asthma
Lynsey shares her tips for how you can help a loved one with asthma, both day-to-day and in the event of an attack.
- Remove plug-in sprays and be conscious of using scented products around your home if you know they're coming to visit.
- Try not to wear perfume or scented sprays around them, because this can trigger their asthma and it'll make them uncomfortable to say that it was your fault.
- Don't smoke around them and try not to allow smoke to be around them, so barbecue smoke, fire smoke, and of course, cigarette smoke.
- If they're having an asthma attack, help them remove their tight clothing and also find their reliever inhaler. Sometimes it's not possible for them to do this.
- During an asthma attack, be next to them and try to encourage them to breathe slowly. Soin through your nose, out through your mouth. Also do this with them so it helps them get a breathing pattern with you.
- If their reliever inhaler still isn't working and they're struggling to breathe, call an ambulance or drive them to the closest hospital, as long as it isn't too far away.
- If they are having an asthma attack, tell them not to speak, as this causes them to use the little breath that they do have in their body.
- If you have plans with someone that has asthma and they do end up canceling plans last minute, try not to be too upset with them.
There are times where your loved one would rather stay home after an attack. They may be worried that there's a chance that it could happen again and they may not want to be coughing in a public place like a restaurant or cinema.
It's important to know that you shouldn't get angry at them canceling on you. You can, however, go and visit them.
Lastly, just be there. You can help by acting as a calming influence for when they need you. Additionally, if they want to go outside, take them outside. With you just being there, you can provide the support they need at that moment.
