Asthma is a condition that affects the lungs, making it difficult for people to breathe. Sometimes, asthma symptoms can worsen suddenly, leading to what is called an asthma attack. These attacks can be scary and dangerous if not managed properly. That's why it's important to have an emergency action plan in place to prepare for asthma attacks and urgent situations.

Let’s explore what is generally included in an emergency action plan and how to prepare one for asthma attacks and other urgent situations.

Understanding Asthma

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways. This can make breathing difficult and trigger symptoms like wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. While asthma can't be cured, it can be managed with the right treatment and care.

Types of Asthma Inhalers and Medications

There are several types of asthma inhalers and medications used to manage asthma symptoms. Each type of inhaler and medication plays a specific role in asthma management and the choice depends on the individual's asthma severity, triggers and response to treatment. Some of them are:

• Quick-Relief Inhalers (Short-Acting Beta Agonists - SABAs): These inhalers, such as albuterol (Ventolin, Proventil), provide rapid relief by relaxing the muscles around the airways, making breathing easier during an asthma attack.
• Controller Inhalers (Long-Acting Beta Agonists - LABAs): These inhalers, like salmeterol (Serevent) or formoterol (Foradil), are used regularly to prevent asthma symptoms by keeping the airways open over an extended period.
• Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICS): Medications like fluticasone (Flovent), budesonide (Pulmicort) or beclomethasone (QVAR) reduce airway inflammation, helping to prevent asthma attacks when used daily.
• Combination Inhalers: These inhalers contain both a corticosteroid and a long-acting beta-agonist, providing both anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator effects, such as fluticasone/salmeterol (Advair) or budesonide/formoterol (Symbicort).
• Leukotriene Modifiers: Medications like montelukast (Singulair) block the action of leukotrienes, chemicals in the body that contribute to asthma symptoms and inflammation.
• Immunomodulators: Drugs like omalizumab (Xolair) target specific immune system proteins involved in allergic asthma, reducing the frequency and severity of asthma attacks in people with severe allergic asthma.

What is an Emergency Action Plan?

An emergency action plan is a set of instructions designed to guide people on what to do during an asthma attack or other urgent situations related to asthma. It helps individuals, their families and caregivers know how to respond quickly and effectively to keep the person with asthma safe.

Emergency Action Plan for Asthma Attacks

An asthma attack can be a frightening experience, but having an emergency action plan in place can help you manage the situation effectively. Let us understand how to create and implement an emergency action plan for asthma attacks:

1. Know the Signs and Symptoms
2. Identify Triggers
3. Create Your Emergency Action Plan
4. Understand Your Medications
5. Steps to Take During an Asthma Attack
6. Communication and Accessibility
7. Follow-Up Care
8. Practice Self-Care and Prevention

Know the Signs and Symptoms

Familiarise yourself with the signs and symptoms of an asthma attack, including coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. Educate family members, caregivers and close contacts about these symptoms so they can recognise them and assist you if needed.

Identify Triggers

Determine what triggers your asthma symptoms and try to avoid them as much as possible. Common triggers include allergens (such as pollen, dust mites and pet dander), air pollution, smoke, cold air and respiratory infections.

Create Your Emergency Action Plan

Work with your healthcare provider to develop a personalised asthma action plan tailored to your needs. Your action plan should include instructions on what to do during an asthma attack, including steps for managing mild, moderate and severe symptoms.

Understand Your Medications

Know the different types of asthma medications you use and how to use them properly. Quick-relief medications, such as short-acting beta-agonists (e.g., albuterol), provide rapid relief during an asthma attack by relaxing the muscles around the airways. Controller medications, such as inhaled corticosteroids, help prevent asthma symptoms and reduce inflammation in the airways when taken regularly.

Steps to Take During an Asthma Attack

If you experience mild symptoms, such as occasional coughing or wheezing, use your quick-relief inhaler as prescribed. Monitor your symptoms closely and seek medical attention if they worsen.

If your symptoms worsen and become moderate (e.g., increased wheezing, difficulty breathing), use your quick-relief inhaler and follow your asthma action plan for additional steps, such as taking oral corticosteroids or seeking medical assistance.

In the case of severe symptoms (e.g., extreme difficulty breathing, inability to speak in full sentences, bluish lips or fingernails), seek emergency medical attention immediately by calling a local emergency number.

Communication and Accessibility

Ensure that your asthma action plan is easily accessible at all times, whether it's stored on your smartphone, kept in your wallet or posted in a visible location at home. Inform family members, caregivers and close contacts about the location of your action plan and how to use it in case of an emergency.

Follow-Up Care

After an asthma attack, schedule a follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider to review your symptoms, adjust your treatment plan if necessary and discuss strategies for preventing future attacks. Make sure to refill your prescriptions and keep an adequate supply of medications on hand at all times.

Practice Self-Care and Prevention

Take steps to manage your asthma and minimise the risk of future attacks by avoiding known triggers, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and adhering to your prescribed treatment plan. Attend regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your asthma control and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment regimen.

Asthma Treatment Options

Treatment for asthma includes inhalers like quick-relief bronchodilators and controller medications such as inhaled corticosteroids. Long-acting bronchodilators and leukotriene modifiers are also used to manage symptoms. In severe cases, immunomodulators or biologic therapies may be prescribed to control inflammation and reduce asthma attacks.

Asthma Awareness Resources

Asthma awareness resources provide valuable information on asthma symptoms, triggers and management strategies. Websites like NHS, Pharmacy Planet, etc. offer educational materials, support networks and guidance on creating asthma action plans.

Asthma Triggers and Management

Common asthma triggers include allergens, air pollution, smoke, exercise and respiratory infections. Asthma management involves identifying and avoiding triggers, using medications as prescribed, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and creating an asthma action plan with a healthcare provider.

Asthma Relief Techniques

Asthma relief techniques include deep breathing exercises, relaxation techniques and pursed-lip breathing to help control symptoms during an asthma attack. Using a peak flow metre to monitor lung function and following an asthma action plan is also essential for effective symptom management. 

Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding smoke and other irritants can help reduce the frequency and severity of asthma symptoms.

Final Words

Having an emergency action plan for Asthma attacks in place is essential for anyone living with the disease. Remember to keep your asthma action plan accessible, communicate with healthcare professionals during emergencies and follow up with your doctor for ongoing care and support. With the right preparation and support, you can be better equipped to handle asthma attacks and urgent situations with confidence.

For expert advice on managing asthma and accessing medications, schedule an online consultation with us today. Take control of your asthma care from the comfort of your own home.