Asthmatics: what "trick(s)" have you found that work best to recover when you don't have your inhaler?

Calm down: The best thing to do is stop what you are doing, calm down, and try to breathe deeply and slowly. Constricted airways tend to collapse more easily, making it harder to breathe - purse your lips like you're breathing through a straw, and you'll hold the airways open better, so you can empty the lungs better and get more oxygen exchange. But the best bet is to not leave home without albuterol!

Tea, relax: Black tea has theophyline, a bronchodilator; rapid breathing dries the airway, worsening bronchospasm. Relaxing, and taking slow, deep breaths can overcome the airway resistance that is present in an asthma exacerbation. However, that being said - take your inhaler with you everywhere, and it won't be an issue. Have a spare inhaler and spacer.

No "tricks"...: Asthmatics should always have their rescue inhalers available, at all times. If you have an exacerbation and your rescue inhaler is unavailable, seek help immediately as exacerbations are potentially life-threatening. No tricks!