I don't know how it is for other asthmatics, but I do have a few tips for you guys:
—Bring facial coverings with you EVERYWHERE. Allergens, like cigarette smoke, pop up in any place at nearly every time. The facial coverings will act as a filter, and will help prevent continued exposure. That being said, you should still leave the area quickly since masks make breathing techniques a little more difficult. Thanks to the you-know-what, facial coverings have become more normalized, so it's not that strange to just slip one on. Also, you don't need to WEAR it everywhere, just bring it so you can pop it on if needed.
—This tip came from one of my previous doctors: caffeine acts as a stimulant and helps open your airways up. That being said, don't chug extreme amounts of caffeine, since anxiety can make your asthma attacks worse. Plus, the crash will be terrible.
—Have tea around in your house. I recommend having multiple kinds/flavors, that way you can change it up. I personally have both caffeinated and uncaffeinated teas, because there are times when I've had my max caffeine intake/I need to sleep soon. The vapors/warmth will help soothe your throat and open things back up, and sipping it will (hopefully) help you calm down. The caffeine thing especially applies here, since tea tends tends to have a more gentle caffeine affect. If you don't like bitterness, I recommend the brand Red Rose (it also has Sweet Temptations on the box, if that helps to find it lol). I personally have/have had the flavors Lemon Loaf and Strawberry Cheesecake. They come pre-sweetened with Stevia, and I've found that I don't need to add anything to it, when usually I have to add a ton of creamer, sugar, and everything nice. That being said, I've found honey helps soothe/coat my throat, as well as sweeten my tea. And, if you add a suitably flavored cough drop along with the packet (I always put them in the cup while the water is busy boiling so that mixing is a lot easier, and the bag tends to not float on the top), you have both flavoring and soothing. For less bitterness, I also recommend steeping your teas for the lowest recommended time.
—Have something to semi-mindlessly stare at. I often use video games, but stressful events like boss battles do NOT help. Looking out a window with tea in my hands and a blanket around my shoulders does help, though. Having a pet cuddle you also helps you to both cheer up and calm down. All of these above options should help you calm down and ease the attack.
—You should be resting, but for whoever's sake, SIT UP. It opens up your airways and makes coughing (if you have that particular reaction) slightly less distressful. Laying on my side also tends to help after the attack has passed, but I ultimately recommend propping yourself up with pillows/stuffed animals.
—Another thing that helps me, a lightweight with strong medications, is having a snack with carbs afterwards. I tend to get weak and hungry after all my treatments, so having a snack helps take that edge off and makes rest so much easier.
—Speaking during/after an asthma attack is hard. Try learning little bits of sign language to help you communicate. I frequently use the phrases "yes", "no", (sometimes shaking/nodding my head doesn't feel good, and just using my hands feels easier) "please", and "thank you". I also have basic knowledge of the alphabet to help me spell it out. However, if this is a struggle for you, the speech-to-text on Google Translate is another great tool. Just pop what you wanna say into the English/whatever language you're speaking box, then hit the little 🔉 button.
—I'm not sure if anyone else's doctor told them to use their emergency inhaler sparingly, but my most recent one had to inform me that is nonsense. Use it as soon as you have a problem, and don't hesitate to take a second dose if the first doesn't help within a minute. That being said, please don't exceed your limit. If multiple doses don't help within 30 mins-1 hour, try looking into either a stronger dosage or a nebulizer (which your doctor of course).
—If you have to walk/exert yourself to get to your morning destination, and if you have a daily inhaler, try using it a few minutes beforehand.
—If you're in school, I beg of you, GET A DOCTORS NOTE, if not multiple. I've had so many schools lock away my inhaler and say I need doctors notes just to approve having one in the first place, as well as say I need permission/supervision to take it, even in the nurse's office. Ask your doctor about having a doctor's note to carry it with you EVERYWHERE. I have purses and bags to easily carry it, along with a few other essentials, and the amount of fighting my parents and doctors have had to do against schools is ridiculous. Additionally, you might want to include a note about having your phone with you all the time for emergencies. Might be a little harder to argue for, but it's worth asking.
—This seems fairly obvious but is hard to remember in the moment, you need to learn breathing techniques. (Ex: breathe through nose, out through mouth). This will help with breath circulation and calming both you and your attack. Additionally, but also importantly, if you're at the "gasping for breath" point, you should still try to take slow and deep breaths. I know it's hard and you just wanna quickly suck in as much air as possible, but it really doesn't help. For one, it makes calming down harder, and for two, it really doesn't give you that much air. Since you essentially have to hold it for a while, getting as much quality air as possible is practically vital.
—If you have a nebulizer, keep tissues on/around you. The vapors tend to stick to my face & dribble down my nose especially, which is uncomfy, and a lil gross.
—Should I have to mention water? Unfortunately, yes. Please don't add any ice/have your water TOO cold. It can shock your system. While bits of cold water can help soothe an inflamed throat and encourage more drinking water, you still need to be careful. Also, for warmer waters, find a temp you can tolerate. I love water on the near-highest setting because of the vapor and the soothing properties I feel. However, I have a vendetta against lukewarm water, because I think it's gross.
