THE 4-4-4 RULE FOR ASTHMA

If you or someone you care about suffers from asthma, it can really pay to be aware of the 4-4-4 rule in an emergency. If someone is experiencing an asthma attack, help them sit upright and take 4 separate puffs from their quick-relief inhaler. Wait 4 minutes, and then repeat the first step (4 more inhaler puffs) if there’s no improvement. Keep them in a sitting position (lying down can make an asthma attack worse), loosen any tight clothing, and stay with the person. When someone experiences a severe asthma attack without an inhaler or other medication available, it’s best to call 911 immediately. Asthma attacks can be difficult to reverse without medical intervention.

P.S. During an asthma attack with no inhaler available, try giving the person a few sips of a beverage with caffeine. Small amounts of caffeine have been shown to reduce asthma symptoms for up to 4 hours.

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