If you keep your head, an asthma episode need not become a trip to the emergency room. If your spouse experiences an asthma episode, directions for intervening early are usually located in his or her asthma action plan. It ensures that you know what to do in a given situation and gives clarity during a chaotic moment.

Asthma action plans are often comprised of sets of directions dependent upon symptoms and warning signs for asthma. Usually the basis is on a sequence of peak flow zones, using the traffic light signals red, an emergency, yellow, for caution, and green, meaning things are okay.

The asthma action plan should detail what your spouse should do when the symptoms or warning signs occur, as set out by your physician. The plan should also have a list of the appropriate medical professionals to call, usually your healthcare provider, the hospital, or 911. Make sure both of you know where the plan is kept, because it won't help either of you don't know where it is or what it means.

To ensure that you can properly interpret the directions in the plan, have your spouse explain everything ahead of time. It will be near to impossible to read through complex medical terms and medications when you can't breathe because of an asthma episode.

Things to Steer Clear of During an Asthma Episode

Several people will probably try to give you advice on what to do during an asthma episode, and with good intent. However, the best advice you can follow is to stick to your asthma action plan. Be wary of old advice and folk remedies if you spouse doesn't have an action plan, or just want him or her to feel safe.

A venture of the National Institutes of Health, the National Asthma Education and Prevention Program (NAEPP) suggests staying away from the kind of asthma control advice listed below. Some of these remedies might provide quick relief from symptoms, but they can also keep your spouse from getting the necessary medical attention.

"Drink lots of water!" This is wrong. You don't want to hydrate too much. A typical person requires from six to eight glasses of water a day.

“Take a hot shower!” While the heat and moisture may provide temporary relief, the effects will cease soon after getting out of the shower. Consult your asthma action plan for a better solution.

“Go to the drug store!” Over-the-counter medications, such as cold remedies, bronchodilators, or antihistamines are a bad idea. The only medications you should take are those prescribed by your physician, and only as directed. If your symptoms don't get any better, read your asthma action plan again, or call your healthcare provider.

Lastly, keep an eye out for the visual signs of an impending asthma emergency. If your loved one suffers from asthma, knowing what to do in a medical emergency and being able to spot one coming could save his or her life by acting fast.