With almost 28 million US citizens living with asthma, you probably have a friend, loved one, or colleague with the condition. Kamilah Howard shares four tips on supporting someone with asthma or another respiratory illness.

Your loved one may have been recently diagnosed with asthma or living with it for years. Either way, you likely want to understand how it affects their life and how to provide better support.

I like to think of asthma as a "chameleon" of chronic illness. Sometimes, it's an obvious illness, and the symptoms, such as heavy breathing, are evident. Other times, it's "invisible," and the person living with asthma manages their condition behind the scenes.

Over the years, I've learned to manage my symptoms well. But I'm only one out of the almost 28 million people in the US with the condition.

Experience has taught me that others' level of concern and support varies when it comes to helping me manage asthma, which is perfectly fine. If you want to do more for a friend or family member living with asthma, these tips may help you move forward. 

4 tips to support someone living with asthma

1. Understand the disease 

It's easy to get comfortable and think you know all about asthma. That's rarely the case. I've been living with asthma for more than 10 years, and I'm still learning! The way I see it, the more knowledge I have, the less of a challenge living with asthma will be for me. If you know someone with asthma, learning more about the disease may help you support them better.

That doesn’t mean every day will be easy or look the same. It’s about starting with a solid knowledge base to make decisions and being a good champion for your loved one (and yourself). 

I’d recommend checking out these three resources to get started: 

• American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology 
• Asthma and Allergy Foundation
• American Lung Association

Once you understand the basics, I recommend researching online communities such as Allergy & Asthma Network. These forums often include asthma patients, healthcare providers, supportive friends, and caregivers. Be curious and ask questions since that's one of the best learning methods.

And don't forget to share your experiences, too. You could really help someone who needs it!

When I was younger, my mom would always double-check details of where I'd be going and ask the adult in charge to be mindful of my asthma. She was also great about reminding me to bring my rescue inhaler since my symptoms were unpredictable at the time.

This same attention to detail is relevant to adults, especially when you go to places with no emergency services nearby. You and your loved one need to have a grasp of your environment. 

2. Learn their asthma triggers and help with avoiding them

Fear of accidentally triggering a loved one's asthma can cause friends or family members to feel "on edge" during get-togethers. However, people with well-managed asthma usually have a list of triggers that they try to avoid or control as much as possible. For example, places with heavy tobacco smoke are a trigger for me. For others, triggers could be high elevation, pollen, strenuous exercise, and more. 

Ask your friend or loved one about their triggers, and try to help mitigate them when you’re together. For example, if fragrances or fumes trigger their symptoms, try skipping perfume or other strong scents when hanging out. Sometimes, even the simplest gesture can make a significant impact.

Not all triggers are that obvious, however. In those cases, it’s best to do what you can to support your friend or loved one when they encounter unexpected triggers. 

One of the most unexpected asthma attacks I’ve had was at a beach in my hometown. A few years ago, some friends and I wanted to head down to the beach to catch the sunset. We were driving with the car windows down, enjoying the salty sea breeze, when I noticed it was getting harder for me to breathe the closer we got to the beach. 

A few minutes later, as we pulled into a parking spot, my airway became restricted, and I couldn’t talk. It was a scary moment because my inhaler was in the trunk, and my friends had never seen my asthma “in action.” I quickly hopped out to grab my rescue inhaler. My friends were notably upset and alarmed by my sense of urgency. 

The beach we were visiting was experiencing a red tide. This harmful algal bloom occurs when certain algae grow out of control and produce toxins. The toxins can devastate the marine environment and cause respiratory issues for animals and humans on land. So, I learned the hard way that day that a red tide can also trigger and exacerbate asthma symptoms.

Thankfully, my friends were incredibly supportive. Knowing your loved one's asthma triggers can help them stay healthy and avoid flare-ups. 

3. Know their asthma action plan

Even controlled asthma can be unpredictable, so it’s crucial to have an action plan if your loved one’s asthma is suddenly triggered. Many patients have an asthma action plan based on the severity of their symptoms. 

For example, my action plan before I exercise is to use my inhaler to help control my symptoms. My action plan for an asthma attack depends on the attack's severity. I have plans for most scenarios, including when to go to the emergency room.

It's knowing what to do when the worst happens and taking good notes so you can make the most informed decision during a critical time.

If you don’t have asthma but your loved one does, your involvement in the plan could include:

• Knowing where they keep their medication and how to access it if they cannot
• Familiarity with their treatment and/or medical equipment and how to use them
• Identifying potential triggers and moving your loved one out of their vicinity
• Keeping your loved one upright or sitting them up (it is often easier to breathe sitting up than lying down)
• Staying present, calm, and reassuring as you encourage your loved one to take slow, steady breaths
• Calling 911 for emergency care

4. Be kind to yourselves

Asthma attacks and flare-ups are scary, so be kind to yourselves, whether you're managing the condition or helping someone to do so.

Neither the person living with asthma nor their friends, family, or trusted colleagues can always predict what will happen. No one can control every situation. But you can do your homework, be wise, curious, and caring, and share your experiences with others.

The disease can become debilitating for some, and not everyone will be open to a can-do attitude. However, if you’re supporting someone with asthma, it's OK for you to feel like a superhero when your loved one needs it most. Believe me, someone managing asthma will be forever grateful if you can step in and help ease a frightening situation.

The information presented is solely for educational purposes, not as specific advice for the evaluation, management, or treatment of any condition.

The individual(s) who have written and created the content and whose images appear in this article have been paid by Teva Pharmaceuticals for their contributions. This content represents the opinions of the contributor and does not necessarily reflect those of Teva Pharmaceuticals. Similarly, Teva Pharmaceuticals does not review, control, influence, or endorse any content related to the contributor's websites or social media networks. This content is intended for informational and educational purposes and should not be considered medical advice or recommendations. Consult a qualified medical professional for diagnosis and before beginning or changing any treatment regimen.

NPS-ALL-NP-01447 JANUARY 2025