Will a hot shower help an asthma attack?

Answer 1

Yes, steam from a hot shower is an alternative medical method for relieving bronchospasm from an Asthma attack. The steam will help the muscle and bronchospasm to relax, partially relieving the symptoms of the asthma attack.

However, it must be noted that the priority treatment for an asthma attack is to administer the prescribed bronchodilator, usually by means of an inhaler. Common bronchodilators include salbutamol, terbutaline sulfate and adrenalin.

If a patient presents with signs of an asthma attack, ask them to stop what they are doing, rest, and administer the prescribed medication. Be prepared to have medical assistance dispatched should the condition worsen.

Reassuring the patient, as opposed to putting them in a hot shower, can often be more effective. Keeping the patient calm, free from stress and panic will lessen the need to breathe erratically making the patient feel less short of breath.

Monitor the patient closely and administer a second dose of the medication if the condition does not improve within five minutes. Call for urgent medical backup if the patient can no longer speak due to lack of air, has gone unconscious or complains that the asthma attack is the worse they have ever had.