Question:
Recently someone I know had an asthma attack in front of me
(apparently she has them frequently), and I didn't know how
to deal with it. My natural response was to be concerned
(never seen an asthma attack before) but I think my concern
embarrassed her and I know I didn't handle it correctly.
Apparently this person has grown quite sick and tired of
people worrying about her.
Being as I'd like to be around this person a bit more often
(although that's a whole other story on a whole other topic)
I'm wondering how I should 'act' if she has another asthmatic
attack while I'm around. Like I said, my natural tendency is to
be overly concerned ('Are you sure you're okay?'-type of thing)
but I think she's not too impressed with that...
Then again, casually ignoring her seems pretty cold...
Any advice? Comments?
Answer:
First of all, understanding the person's problem is a big step on
the way, if you want to pursue this relationship. Most asthmatics
carry inhalers so the first question to ask was, did she have her
inhaler with her? Mention you have had some experience with other
friends who have asthma so had some rudimentary knowledge of the
medicine asthmatics tend to carry with them.
Most asthmatics find some comfort if they can lower their trunks and
get into a stooped position. You could ask if you could help her do
that or take her someplace discreet. Breathing exercises help also,
deep breaths (well as deep as you can) and then exhaling by blowing
the air out of the mouth. This keeps the air in the lungs longer and
can be helpful.
