I have been on and off of steroids since I was diagnosed. I know its just a matter of time before I get put back on them. I don't enjoy them. I'm also on a couple different inhalers. Which I don't like, and personally I don't think they work all that great. But whatever.
Asthma sucks, and not in a good way.
People seem to take it for granted, breathing that is. But I have learned that its something you cant. I'm not going to say I have the worst Asthma ever, but mine is not good.
I miss being able to do the things that I want to. Softball for example. I love it with all my heart, but there are times I have had to sit out the most important game of the season.
Asthma is a chronic illness. Some people grow out of it. Then there are the some like me that don't, and wont.
Asthma (AZ-ma) is a chronic (long-term) lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways. Asthma causes recurring periods of wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe), chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing. The coughing often occurs at night or early in the morning.
Facts about Asthma....
- In 2010, more than 18 million adults and 7 million children suffered from asthma.
- In the last decade, the number of people with asthma increased by 15 percent.
- Asthma is the number one reason for children missing school, accounting for more than 10 million missed school days a year.
- Less than 17 percent of people without asthma smoke, while more than 20 percent of people with asthma smoke. Smoking is known to trigger asthmatic attacks.
- It is a common myth that a child will outgrow his asthma (despite what some Recovered Asthmatics might say as they light up a cigarette). In fact, 95% of children with persistent asthma still have symptoms into adulthood (myself included).
- The life expectancy for mild asthmatics is the same as for those who do not have asthma, which is about 80 years. (This is great news. So take care of yourself and you can live long and prosper).
- A major cause of severe asthma is cigarette smoke, either 1st or 2nd hand (one more reason not to smoke in front of your kids).
- Even mild asthmatics can die of asthma
Now, the myths....
- Asthma can be cured
- FALSE! Asthma is a treatable health condition. Despite great advances in treatments over the years, unfortunately we still don’t have a cure. However, with appropriate diagnosis and good management, just about everyone with asthma can lead normal, active lives.
- Inhaled steroids are dangerous and addictive
- FALSE! Inhaled steroids are preventer medications, and are the best way to keep moderate or severe asthma under control. Some people get them mixed up with anabolic steroids that you hear about in sports, but they are very different. Inhaled steroids are a safe and very effective, non-addictive medication that is usually the best way for you to avoid asthma attacks.
- Children will usually outgrow asthma
- UNLIKELY: Asthma is a long term health condition in which the lungs over-react to certain things. This overreaction never entirely disappears, but in some people it becomes so minor that there aren’t any more symptoms. Some children have asthma symptoms that improve or disappear during adolescence. Those with more severe or persistent asthma tend to remain much the same as they become adults. Even when symptoms disappear completely, there is a chance they may return later on in life, particularly with infections or exercise, or major changes such as pregnancy.
- It’s normal to puff on my blue reliever at least once a day
- NO WAY! If you are regularly using your blue reliever to deal with asthma symptoms more than twice a week, then your asthma is not under control. You need to see your GP and talk about what’s going on. If you’re on a preventer medication, then you need to make sure you’re taking it every day, or perhaps you need a higher dose. Needing to use your reliever medication frequently is a strong indicator that you could soon have an asthma attack, so do something about it NOW.
- Alternative medications work as well as prescriptions
- FALSE: Alternative medications for asthma have had only limited research, so the safety and effectiveness of many of these treatments is still unclear. There have been a small number with promising results when taken along with prescription medications, though others have shown no effect whatsoever, despite many claims. Many people are interested in using dietary supplements and complementary medicines to help manage their asthma, but it’s important to do your homework and get as much information as you can. You should also let your doctor and/or pharmacist know you are taking them as some can have serious side effects and interactions with other medications. And of course, you should never stop taking your prescribed medications without talking with your doctor.
- Asthma can improve by moving to the country or to the coast
- IT DEPENDS: Because asthma is such an individual disease, some people find the coast is better, while others have fewer problems in the country. Most triggers can unfortunately be found wherever you go. A number of people also find that while a change in climate may improve their symptoms for some time, they then develop allergies to other things in their new environment.
- My smoking does not affect my asthma
- RUBBISH! Smoking is a serious trigger of asthma and so people with asthma should have an even stronger reason than most to try quitting. Many people find when they quit they get far fewer symptoms and less frequent attacks. It’s also one of the few known causes of asthma - babies who are born to smoking mothers have a greater chance of developing asthma than children of non-smoking mothers.
- Colors and preservatives are a common cause of asthma
- FALSE: Preservatives like sodium metabisulfite which is present in wine, dried fruits, vinegar, etc can worsen asthma symptoms in some people, but they do not cause asthma. Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) has gained a bad reputation for triggering asthma in some people, but studies have shown this to be a relatively rare problem and it is often difficult to identify just what is causing a reaction to food.
- You shouldn’t have pets if you have asthma
- RUBBISH: Lots of people with asthma have pets, of all different types. Some people definitely have problems with pets as triggers, or are allergic to particular animals; with the furry cats and dogs most often causing issues. Depending on the animal, allergens can be found in the saliva, sweat, hair, urine or dead skin. Sometimes the reaction only occurs when you get really close to the animal so it depends on your own response. If all else fails, there’s always fish or lizards!
- Avoiding wheat and milk improves asthma
- FALSE! Diet plays a minimal role in the management of asthma, apart from ensuring it is healthy and balanced. Avoiding wheat and milk can cause nutrition problems, particularly in children. Studies have shown that milk does not increase mucus production or worsen asthma. Avoidance of any food group to affect your asthma is not recommended, unless you have a proven intolerance or allergy.
So there are the facts and myths. That's not all of them though. If you have a question or want to hear more of my story please feel free to email me! thekidwithasthma@gmail.com. I promise I will answer everyone!
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