How to best deal with panic attacks when having an asthma attack?

[Johm]

My niece has had 2 serious asthma attacks recently that have in turn triggered a panic attack making the episode so much worse. Can anyone advise how we best deal with this or who can give medical advice and guidance to manage the panicking. Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

[hypercat54]

Hi sorry to hear this. Do you know what triggered off her attacks or did they come out of the blue? Common triggers are dust mites, strong perfumes, paint, cleaning materials, pets, smoking etc. (including second hand smoke). It these are relevant it's best if they can be avoided as much as possible.

Often during an attack it is possible to breathe through the nose instead. This sounds obvious but sometimes in the throes you don't think of this.

Another thing which could help is to learn some breathing exercises. There are loads online and if she practises these they will help in the event of another attack.

I presume she sees an asthma nurse regularly? If so she ought to have an action plan. She can also contact the asthma nurse on this site. x

[Johm in reply to hypercat54]

Thank you so much for your speedy reply. We've not identified specific trigger. She has on both occasions been with people who have pets (first time cat, second time dog) so could be this. I shall inform my sister (my niece's mum!) about the breathing exercises etc. I'll find out if she has an asthma nurse also. Thanks again 🙂

[hypercat54 in reply to Johm]

You are more than welcome. I will say one more thing though which is very important. As soon as she can she needs to start her ventolin inhaler and take up to 10 puffs. if she can't get her breathing under control after a while or is getting worse then don't be afraid to call an ambulance. Being unable to breathe is a medical emergency and the death rate amongst asthmatics is officially considered too high in the UK. Many could be saved with earlier intervention. x

[Johm in reply to hypercat54]

Thanks. We did have to call an ambulance on both occasions. It's obviously very scary especially for my niece and whoever is trying to help at the time. In both cases my sister. Thank ever so much again 👍

[Robin77]

Just read hypercat54's response - absolutely agree about the importance of understanding a severe asthma attack as a medical emergency requiring a prompt response. A family member may not always see the severity. Asthma is physical first and foremost and not psychological. Life-threatening asthma attacks can come out of the blue. I've had this myself and seen it in a child. Hopefully a doctor or asthma nurse may also be able to discuss how to deal with general anxiety related to asthma. Part of it is feeling in control with a clear emergency plan.

[Johm in reply to Robin77]

Thank you so much Robin for your response, I shall pass onto my sister.

[Helen0304]

Hi. Definitely agree with the breathing exercises. My doctor referred me to a respiratory physiotherapist which made a huge difference to me regarding the panic attacks which can be associated with an asthma attack. You don't mention how old your neice is but it may still be worth checking with the doctor to see if they can refer her.

[Johm in reply to Helen0304]

Thanks for your reply, I shall pass onto my sister. FYI my niece is 18 years old

[Anniecath]

Hi sorry to hear this. It is frightening for a child especially. I would back up the other posts on here to say breathing exercises can be enormously helpful. The trick is to concentrate on breathing out. The brain is saying can't get enough oxygen, so the body responds by trying to breathe in all the time. The problem is with the asthma, the air inlets are going into spasm preventing you from breathing out fully. The lungs are already full. So trying to breathe out more than you breathe in can go some way to controlling the panic response. Get a good asthma nurse or doctor/specialist to teach her the breathing techniques, I think face to face instruction would probably be better than online. Hope she gets good help soon.

[Johm in reply to Anniecath]

Excellent, thanks for your support Anniecath. I shall pass the information onto my sister.

[shassh]

I too have panic attacks when my breathing is bad, also have had to be ambulanced to hospital, I do find when I start to panic, if I'm aware that it's starting it helps I f someone is sitting with me talking calmly and reminding me to breath in slowly it really helps, I was on medication for a long time which really helped but I'm off them now.

It's always best to call for an ambulance as it gets out of control very fast.

[Johm in reply to shassh]

Shassh, thank you so much for the reply. I'm sorry you have panic attacks too but I shall share your experienced advice with my sister, I know it will be welcomed.

[Itsmeithink]

I found a breathing technique that helps me, breathe in through the nose, but when you exhale, purse your lips like you are about to kiss someone and then slowly blow through them a bit like blowing up a balloon. It helps to expel more air from the lungs so you can take more in on the next breath, it also slows my heart rate down. Try to practice it when feeling normal, so you have got the hang of it by the time you really need it.

[Johm in reply to Itsmeithink]

Hiya and thanks so much for sharing your techniques for dealing with this very difficult situation. I know my sister and my niece are picking up the responses to my question and we're all very grateful for your, and others, taking the time to share such valuable information ☺️