Shawn (not his real name) was diagnosed with asthma as a child. He has had to see a lung specialist from a young age and, by the time he entered primary school, the hospital had become his second home.
Many commonplace factors would cause his asthma to flare up, including freshly cut grass, pollen, dust, smoke – even strong perfume. He has had to avoid many places because of the risk of an asthma attack.
Recently, he had the opportunity to speak with a doctor who specialises in asthma in children and adolescents. According to this expert, asthma is the most common chronic disease among kids.
He gave Shawn some insights into the primary causes of flare-ups. The first tip is to have a dust-free home, because mites – microscopic bugs that live in dust – can be a huge trigger.
This made sense as Shawn’s home is really old, meaning it contains a large amount of dust that he breathes in on a daily basis.
Secondly, the doctor spoke about exercise-induced asthma, where too much physical activity can trigger attacks or cause wheezing.
Sometimes, taking a puff from a quick-relief inhaler before working out can help minimise the chance of such an occurrence.
Thirdly, asthma flare-ups can be triggered by stress or lack of sleep. Learning to be calm and to recognise an impending attack is crucial for self-management.
Clearly, the most frightening thing about having an asthma attack is not being able to breathe. It is important to have the inhaler at hand at all times, especially when travelling.
It is also vital to prepare for any eventuality by packing extra medication and inhalers, as healthcare might not be as easily accessible in other parts of the world.
A useful way to monitor your control over asthma is to measure your peak flow – which refers to how fast you can push air from your lungs by blowing out as hard as you can – on a regular basis, and record this data for your doctor. Any dips should be discussed to work out the cause or triggers.
Shawn is sharing his experience to show that suffering from asthma need not be a debilitating experience, and that it is possible to live a full and fulfilling life if one learns to take charge and manage the condition.
TELEME Healing Life Stories is a collection of inspirational stories of how ordinary people triumph over their health conditions and recover to lead a healthier life. Email [email protected] to share your story.
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