Berlin, July 20: Asthmatics who are travelling should carry a written action plan with them in addition to their medications in case of an asthma attack, advises the German Society of Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine (DGP).
It said the plan, containing important patient data, would help both the asthma sufferer and any bystanders to take the right actions. One action that helps alleviate acute difficult breathing is to assume a posture that facilitates breathing and to employ special breathing techniques, the DGP noted.
Bystanders should also assist the asthma patient in taking the proper medications at the right times and in the correct dosages.
Depending on the severity of the symptoms, the DGP said, there are various stages of treatment with waiting periods between the use of medications.
According to the DGP’s lung doctors, the first signs of an asthma attack are usually coughing, wheezing when breathing, and shortness of breath followed by increased difficult breathing. Another symptom is tightness in the chest.
—–Agencies