05-05-2025
Doctor shares the signs and first-aid steps for immediate care after asthma attack
If you or a loved one is experiencing an asthma attack, it can feel overwhelming. It can turn any moment into a serious medical emergency. During an attack, it's vital to follow the right steps, not just to manage the high stress of the situation, but most importantly, to reduce the life-threatening risks associated with asthma. Timely intervention can make all the difference, sometimes between life and death.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Ravi Shekhar Jha, Director of Pulmonology at Fortis Escorts Hospital, Faridabad, shared the first effective ways to address the situation.
He gave a glimpse of the large number of people in India affected by asthma, making it all the more important to know first aid, as it could be either a loved one or someone stranger in need in your immediate vicinity.
Dr Ravi Shekhar said, 'For over 34 million Indians with asthma, the fear of a sudden attack is a constant reality. While many live symptom-free for long periods, an asthma exacerbation, triggered by allergens, infections, or pollution, can escalate within minutes. In such moments, knowing what to do at home can mean the difference between recovery and crisis.'
Dr Ravi Shekhar provided this detailed guide that covers, from identifying the early signs of when an asthma attack is about to happen to first aid steps:
How to recognise the signs of an asthma attack?
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If the trigger is known—smoke, dust, pollen, or strong odors—remove the person from that environment immediately. In many urban Indian homes, incense, mosquito coils, and cooking fumes can act as potent irritants. Good ventilation matters.
Homes need to be well-cleaned, as they can trigger asthma attacks, whether it's due to dust mites or poor air quality caused by rising pollution in urban areas. Managing indoor air quality is just as important.
Dalila El Zein, Dyson Senior Research Engineer, shared some effective ways you can keep your indoors clean:
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Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
