How to Help Someone Having an Asthma Attack Without an Inhaler

Trying to help a person struggling through an asthma attack without an inhaler can be a frightening experience, but the most important thing you can do to help is to stay calm. Aside from breathing slowly, staying calm is crucial for the person experiencing an asthma attack and you don't want to add to the stress he is experiencing. Seeing you calm and relaxed can also help him remain calm, which will allow more air to travel through his airways.

Instructions

• 1

  Call for help. Call 911 and a close relative who has access to her inhaler. Calling 911 is also important in case you are not able to get his breathing under control once the inhaler arrives.

• 2

  Coach him to breathe in through his nose and out through his mouth slowly and evenly as possible. Rub his back if this will help him calm down. The idea here is for him to avoid pulling for air too quickly, which can cause his chest to become tighter faster. In addition, this breathing technique allows the old air to move out of the airways so that new air can come in.

• 3

  Help the person locate and use the inhaler. The medicine will help to relax the airways to restore normal breather.

• 4

  Sit her down on a chair or on the floor. Lying down isn't recommended as this position can cause more stress on the lungs.

• 5

  Lean him forward and allow him to rest on you or on a table. You can also have him raise his arms and rest his hands above his head, while he breathes slowly to catch more air. These positions promote more air to enter his lungs.