Five Steps to Emergency Breathlessness Relief：
Step 1: Sit still and hold on, avoid falling. When the body is in a state of oxygen deprivation, the brain and heart will be the first to be affected, and at this time the standing position may aggravate the symptoms of dizziness and increase the risk of falling. Therefore, when suddenly appeared breathing difficulties, first of all, please sit down and hold the support, such as the bedside, railing or chair back, etc., not only can reduce the body’s oxygen consumption, but also to prevent fainting due to lack of oxygen fell. If you are wearing high-necked clothes, remember to loosen the collar buttons after sitting down, so as not to hinder breathing.
Step 2: Maintain composure and positive suggestion. Nervousness increases parasympathetic activity, which directly stimulates airway smooth muscle contraction, as well as promotes the release of inflammatory factors, induces airway edema, and further exacerbates bronchospasm. In addition, it will amplify the perception of respiratory discomfort, forming a vicious cycle of “dyspnea – tension and anxiety”. This series of physiological and psychological interactions will eventually lead to airway narrowing and worsening of dyspnea. It is recommended that when you experience sudden onset of dyspnea, you use positive mental stimuli to encourage yourself to “stay calm, your breathing is slowly returning to normal”. This state of physical and mental relaxation can effectively relieve airway tension and buy time for subsequent treatment.
Step 3: Emergency medication and airway dilation. In a pinch, fast-acting bronchodilators such as albuterol inhaler, budesonide formoterol inhaler, beclomethasone formoterol inhaler should be used as soon as possible. For asthmatics who are highly allergic or have had severe attacks, it is best to use an epinephrine pen for immediate intramuscular injection.
Step 4: Ventilate the room to absorb oxygen and ensure supply. Have family members open the windows of the room for timely ventilation, or move to an air-circulating place accompanied by family members to ensure oxygen supply. If a home oxygen concentrator is available, oxygen can be inhaled immediately at a low flow rate of 2-3 liters/minute.
Step 5: adjust posture, smooth breathing. To be slightly stable breathing can be kept in bed in a semi-recumbent position, the specific operation is to adjust the backrest to 30 degrees, with a pillow behind the head, to maintain a similar “resting on a recliner” position. At the same time as much as possible through the deep breathing exercises to stabilize the mind, inhale slowly through the nose for 3 seconds, hold your breath for 1 second and then exhale slowly through the mouth for about 6 seconds.
