I can recall growing up and hearing some kids say that they had asthma. They would usually carry inhalers around in their pockets. All the other children, myself included, would stare curiously whenever a peer used an inhaler.
One of my grandchildren has asthma and, thankfully, it’s controlled by medication. My grandchild has an inhaler at school that is kept by the nurse. His teachers are also aware. He can participate in sports and knows his limitations.
I’m acquainted with a family who lost an adult son to a sudden asthma attack. They were devastated by the event. I think that’s when I realized how serious asthma really is.
My sister had a close friend with a severe and disabling form of asthma. Unexpected hospitalizations were needed every few months. He was prescribed oral medication, inhalers, and oxygen daily to breathe. Unfortunately, he lost the battle to the disease after years of struggle.
What Is Asthma?
The Mayo Clinic tells us that Asthma is a lung disease that causes air passages to become swollen and narrow. The expert indicates the following are signs of asthma:
- Breathing difficulty
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Chest pain or tightness
Asthma could be mild, moderate, or severe. Doctors treat asthma with oral, inhaled, and intravenous medications.
According to MedlinePlus, asthma often begins between birth and 5 years old. But it can also start during adulthood. MedlinePlus further states that asthma has certain triggers, such as:
- Allergies
- Exercise
- Medication
- Chemicals
- Viruses
- Air quality
The American Lung Association reports that almost 30 million people in the US have been diagnosed with asthma and approximately 25% are children. The organization also notes “asthma is the 3rd leading cause of hospitalization among children under 15.”
There’s no cure for asthma. The key is to control the symptoms. Sadly, uncontrolled asthma can lead to death.
Will Asthma Cripple Your Quality of Life?
Asthma can cause small or large problems for the person with the condition and their family members.
For instance, adults lose time from work, which can lead to financial crises. If the asthma is severe enough, an adult may become disabled and can’t work. Children miss school, which disrupts their education. A child with severe asthma may need special care while in school.
When asthma first surfaces, it’s scary and complicated for families. There’s a lot of going back and forth to the doctor for testing and treatment. Once the condition is controlled, the family and their loved one must learn how to manage the disease.
Everyone involved will need to learn the triggers, how to use any emergency medication prescribed, and how to care for each other.
Parents with a child who has asthma must educate others about their child’s needs. The child must also be taught to recognize their limitations to avoid an asthma attack.
Sometimes it’s hard for the other siblings when a sick child is getting so much attention. However, there are times when the other children become protective of that sibling.
A parent with asthma will need to inform their family members about the condition and teach any children in the family what to do in the event of an asthma emergency.
Even with asthma, families can travel and go on vacation, and kids can participate in extracurricular activities.
Unfortunately, some families must endure ongoing ER visits and hospitalizations with loved ones who have uncontrolled asthma. Thus, support for both family members and loved ones is crucial.
Is There Any Support Available?
If you or your loved one has asthma, you may want to reach out to your medical provider with patient-specific questions.
If you’re seeking additional support, the American Lung Association website has a helpline for calls, a live chat, and a form that you can use to submit a question. The site also includes a ton of resources for parents and children.
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America website contains lots of helpful information regarding asthma.
Both organizations can help you with locating virtual or in-person support groups.
Coping with asthma can be extremely challenging. The links in the article provide you with helpful information and resources for finding support. Please know that you’re not alone.
