Asthma is a chronic respiratory infection/disease that causes recurring periods of wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing. If you have asthma, it’s extremely important to be prepared for emergencies. Many people with asthma experience recurrent chest infections treated with antipyretic medicine.
Asthma and allergic reactions are serious medical conditions that require constant monitoring from an ENT doctor like a Philadelphia ENT specialist. For people who have allergies or asthma, here are some suggestions for items that you might want to consider putting in your asthma emergency kit:
A Spacer
If you’re going to be using your inhaler multiple times a day, you’ll want to put a Spacer in your first aid kit. A spacer is like a nebulizer, but it’s designed to deliver medication through the mouth instead of through the nose.
Rescue Medication (Ventolin)
If your loved one has asthma, you may consider having a blue reliever inhaler. This type of inhaler is specifically designed for people who have asthma; it’ll help relieve bronchoconstriction, which will help reduce wheezing and shortness of breath associated with the condition.
Epinephrine
Epinephrine can be used to treat anaphylaxis or serious reactions to a drug. Your family doctor can prescribe one for you if you cannot get one yourself. If you have ever had allergies or your child has experienced them, they should be familiar with this medication as it is often required to treat allergic reactions.
CPR mask
A CPR mask can help you breathe if you have asthma, allergies, or breathing difficulty. It protects your mouth and nose from germs and bacteria. Unless you have a very serious allergic reaction to any animal hair, there are usually no problems with using an asthmatic mask as long as it is washed and sterilized according to the manufacturer’s instructions after each use.
Bulb syringe
There are instances where you’ll want to remove the mucus from someone’s throat quickly. A bulb syringe can help you do that. Attach it to the spout of your water bottle and squeeze the bulb; it will suck up enough water for you to expel it right through the tube and out of the spout.
Liquid Benadryl
A liquid, non-drowsy form of Benadryl is ideal for treating allergic reactions and asthma attacks in infants and adults experiencing immediate discomfort. This medication is also much easier for them to take since it is designed to be absorbed into your system rapidly. Ask your doctor or pharmacists about the correct dosage, so you don’t accidentally give too much of the drug.
Inhalers
Having extra inhaler cartridges on hand is a good idea if you or your family members have asthma. If your asthma symptoms get worse while you’re out, it’s nice to have an extra dose of medication without going back home immediately.
Nebulizer
If you have asthma and have a history of chest colds and infections, a nebulizer is ideal for getting relief from the symptoms. A nebulizer helps to humidify your lungs and reduce inflammation. This is especially helpful when you can’t take any steroidal drugs, often used to treat asthma.
Cough drops (especially for children)
Children can experience significant coughing episodes when they suffer from allergic reactions, asthma, or respiratory infections. These episodes can be dangerous for the child. Therefore, it’s important to give them a cough drop whenever their coughing gets out of control.
Saline nose drops
Saline nose drops are a must to help clear your nose and sinuses. Saline offers an alternative to those of us with asthma, one that doesn’t include steroids or other drugs. It’s also not as drying as regular old water so it won’t worsen your congestion. Just be careful not to spill it on anything.
A “breath of life” bag
These are made of a neoprene/synthetic fabric that you can use to catch someone’s breath if they start to go into cardiac arrest. They are made to act as a “breath of life” bag and can be found in many stores in the emergency room. It’s not always kept close at hand, so it’s highly recommended that you keep one on your person.
Vitamin C
If you’re feeling sick, it might be good to pop a vitamin C tablet before it escalates into something worse. Vitamin C offers a variety of benefits for those with asthma. It can help keep your immune system strong, it helps the body to fight infections, and it also helps to repair tissues.
A large plastic bag
There are a few times when it’s important to have a plastic bag with you. One instance would be in a public place, especially where there are many people and you need to cough or sneeze. With an over-the-counter cough drop, this should be easy enough on your lungs and throat.
Small blister packs of eye drops
If you are having trouble seeing or have any other complaints with your eyes, bring a pack of eye drops with you and use them.
A small bottle of water
If you’re out of your medication or it runs out, I recommend carrying some emergency water. The point is to have something to drink rather than have nothing; you can keep hydrated instead of being dehydrated.
Honey or sugar
If you’re allergic to something, like an insect sting, you will want to bring honey or sugar. Some medications like antihistamines and beta-2 agonists can irritate the throat and make it difficult to swallow. This is where honey, apart from its sweetness, is great for soothing your throat.
A few easy-to-find items such as mittens, scarves, and hats
With the cold winter months upon us, it is important to have some extra layers on hand that are heat-resistant. This could be a gift from the Lord, especially for people who have asthma and allergies. If you’re driving, this is critical to keep in the car.
Cold weather medicine
Something to help with the cold could be a good way to prevent you from getting pneumonia. They can be used as pseudoephedrine; remember, these were used to help someone save Dena Schlosser’s life. If you are not allergic to them, they’ll clear up your congestion and quickly make you feel much better.
There are various ways you can handle asthma and allergic reactions. If you have an asthma attack or allergic reaction, call your doctor right away, don’t wait. Many people have died because they tried to wait until they got home. Take these precautions, and you’ll be in good hands.