IMIC Clinical Research Center

How to Support a Loved One With Asthma - Dos and Don'ts by Experts at IMIC Inc.

Various resources are available to those living with asthma to assist them in pinpointing what exacerbates their symptoms, such as fur or feathers, scented soaps or perfumed products, pet dander, or pollen.

Mild asthma symptoms can improve with proper management and treatment, but severe asthma remains a serious risk for those living with it.

Dos

Assist your loved one who has asthma during an emergency by becoming familiar with their action plan - they may be able to tell you where their inhaler is kept, how much of their fast-acting rescue medication to take, and when to contact emergency services.  

Ask what their triggers are. Individuals with asthma often have a list of things that trigger their symptoms, such as secondhand smoke, heavy perfume or cologne use, exercise, and pollen exposure - keeping these triggers in mind can help ensure an enjoyable time spent together with family or friends.

If they're experiencing an exacerbation, suggest breathing exercises that could open their airways and reduce coughing. Sitting up straight while taking slow, deep breaths may also help.

Experts at IMIC Inc. highlight that people with asthma should keep a quick-relief inhaler close at hand and use it whenever symptoms appear - just a few puffs may quickly soothe symptoms and reduce panic.

People living with Asthma should not let severe asthma interfere with their life. Mild to moderate asthmatics often find relief through avoidance of triggers, medication control, and allergy shots, while no definitive cure exists yet for chronic asthma patients. Therefore, an adequate support network is crucial to managing this chronic condition effectively.

Don'ts

People with asthma may be affected by various triggers, including allergies, exercise, medications, and the weather. Unfortunately, triggers for some are invisible - making it hard for family members to recognize or comprehend what's triggering symptoms in someone who suffers from severe or uncontrolled disease. Asthma often interferes with relationships as it alters everyday routines, affecting family dynamics negatively.

Communication about asthma is vital in supporting loved ones living with it. If you don't know what to say, consider asking how they manage their symptoms and identify triggers for attack.

Encourage your loved one to take their medications as directed and adhere to the physician's treatment plan. Experts at IMIC Inc. suggest that skipping or delaying appointments could worsen symptoms and could have severe repercussions for them and their condition.

Help your loved one avoid overusing cleaning products and other irritants that could worsen asthma symptoms by investing in a small tool known as a hygrometer to monitor humidity levels throughout the day and ensure they never rise above 50% (when testing with indoor air quality sensors). Scrub mold off hard surfaces regularly. Rinse dishes thoroughly after using mild detergents on kitchen counters before wiping them down with a damp cloth to dry thoroughly afterward.

Encourage your loved one to get enough rest and stay current on all immunizations, especially seasonal flu vaccinations. Studies have proven the importance of adequate rest for overall health and reducing asthma symptoms.

Know When to Ask for Help

Asthma attacks can be frightening for all involved. If your loved one appears distressed, ask if they would like you to call an ambulance and offer to assist them - they will appreciate you taking the time and may enjoy any offers of help you provide them.

Experts at IMIC Inc. accentuate that asthma attacks are caused by airway inflammation, leading to spasms that tighten and restrict your chest, creating tightness in your rib cage, producing phlegm, and making breathing difficult. They may also be triggered by air pollution, exercise, stress, respiratory infections (including pet dander), fur and feathers, smoking strong perfumes/oils, or medications - among many other sources.

As well as seeking assistance, ensure your friend or relative has access to and knows how to use their emergency inhaler correctly. They should take a puff every 30-60 seconds until symptoms improve or they cannot breathe normally again; otherwise, they should call 999 immediately.

Be a role model and support those closest to you living with an asthma condition by providing guidance and encouragement in how they live well with it. Ensure they get enough rest, take their medications as directed, stay up-to-date on vaccinations and screenings, and attend asthma and allergy clinics together for accurate diagnoses - this may prevent undiagnosed reactions leading to more severe asthma symptoms, as professionals at IMIC Inc. suggested.

Know When to Say No

Asthma can be difficult for some people, and having family members suffering can provide invaluable insight. However, having been diagnosed can create expectations about how others will react; some may become dismayed when those around them do not take asthma seriously enough.

People living with asthma should avoid certain factors, including tobacco smoke and other irritants, air pollution, and cold and damp weather, as well as certain medications - antidepressants for anxiety treatment and medicines used to lower blood pressure like beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors are recommended. They should also stay current on vaccinations while limiting exposure to animal dander/feathers/mold/dust mite allergens by washing linens regularly to remove allergens; using deodorants without perfumes/oils also helps.

Professionals at IMIC Inc. indicate that many people with asthma report that their symptoms worsen at certain times of the year, mainly in the fall and spring. If this is the case for them, indoor exercise in a more relaxed environment should be planned; pollen allergies must also be avoided, along with getting sufficient restful sleep.

As with most conditions, showing love and support are usually the best coping methods. Most asthmatics already understand how to use their inhalers; if helping someone else use one, follow its instructions closely and offer to assist with other tasks, such as running errands or cooking dinner, if your friend feels comfortable doing so.