Do you suffer from Asthma? How do you handle this? Are you in control?
By Andrew
@AndrewFreyne (6281)
United Kingdom
October 19, 2008 4:14pm CST
I've been suffering with Asthma all my life, ever since the age of three! I was in and out of hospital in my childhood years and I would always be given the nebulizer, the oxygen mask and I would remain in hospital for a week or so and then I would be out again. I was given one of those medical tests as a youngster, the one where they stick a pin your arm at certain points and they establish what you are allergic to. It turned out that I was allergic to all kinds of things: cats, fur, dust and a few other things. I was always told that I would outgrow my asthma, I never did! I still have it and I'm on regular medication. I love keeping fit and I find that my regular exercise has helped me to remain in control of my asthma. I am a regular cyclist too. After a long ride I would need my asthma pump! My breathing would suddenly become laboured and so I reached for my ventolin and took two puffs! My asthma attack would then vanish in an instant. If you have Asthma, how do you control it? Have you had any serious attacks that were life threatening? Were you one of the lucky ones whereby your asthma did eventually leave you for good? I'm 33 years of age and I'm sure that this will remain with me for the rest of my days so I have to keep control of it as best I can. I would be interested in your thoughts! Andrew
1 person likes this
12 responses
@twoey68 (13627)
• United States
22 Nov 08
I have had some asthma attacks over the years so I keep inhalor's around the house and in my purse. Usually they kick in when I'm around strong smelling things...chemicals, perfumes, smoke, ect.
I did learn a valuable lesson once. I was stripping a hardwood floor with bleach and didn't know there was animal urine on the floor (ammonia) and I had an asthma attack. I grabbed my inhalor and it was like liquid fire in my chest. I ended up with chemical burns on my lungs.
[b]~~AT PEACE WITHIN~~
**STAND STRONG AND TRUST IN GOD**[/b]
1 person likes this
@twoey68 (13627)
• United States
23 Nov 08
It's Tina not Tracy but I knew you were talking to me LOL I rarely have them except, like I said, when I'm around strong smells so I just try to avoid those situations. I'd rather have one with me then have everyone panic and not have one handy.
[b]~~AT PEACE WITHIN~~
**STAND STRONG AND TRUST IN GOD**[/b]
1 person likes this
@AndrewFreyne (6281)
• United Kingdom
23 Nov 08
Oh! Sorry Tina, I think I'm confusing you with my other friend Tracy who has a similar avatar to your own. I like Tina as well as Tracy! Thank heavens that we have the medications that we have now for asthma! I attend an asthma clinic once per month which is a good thing, I'm being kept up to date with everything that is going on as regards asthma. Good luck with maintaining your own Asthma. I will try to remember the name Tina
Andrew
Andrew@AndrewFreyne (6281)
• United Kingdom
23 Nov 08
Hi Tracy, yes, I keep inhalers all over the place in my flat too! I think that this is a good idea as you never know when you may need them. That sounds like quite a nasty experience that you had regarding the ammonia! Anyway, it sounds like you are strong and determined all the same. I have control of my asthma now which I'm pleased about. My exercise also helps me to remain in control. Andrew
@sweetie1026 (1718)
• Philippines
19 Oct 08
Our family has a history of asthma. I had it, my 2 brothers had it, my eldest daughter, my nephew, my sister who has passed away, and my father who is 82 years old have had it since. Me and my 2 brothers and my daughter have outgrown our asthma. But my father and my nephew and his mom never outgrew theirs. Sometimes their attacks are so serious that they have to be taken to the hospital so frequently. I am so thankful now, that for the moment it has been less frequent than it used to. They both have their ventolin pumps with them wherever they go. When it attacks them, they take 2 puffs just like you and then it goes away. I think, being and having a healthy life is one thing that keeps away the attacks. Lucky for you, you can keep your self healthy by exercising and keeping fit by cycling. I know you can handle it well, and you will be in control over it. Take care always, my friend!
1 person likes this
@sweetie1026 (1718)
• Philippines
20 Oct 08
You can say that, but there are times that the attacks on my father are kind of life threatening, maybe it is because of his age. One thing sure though when you are healthy your resistance to the attacks is strong. I know a simple allergy can trigger it sometimes and a sudden climate change. Here that is one of my problems with my father, there are days that it is so hot and humid, then one day it becomes cooler, so he gets the attack. Lucky for me and my 2 brothers and my daughter, it just went away, like we just realized that we are not having any attacks anymore, until we have grown to be teenagers. My sister's was a different case, she got it when she was already an adult, when she got pregnant with her son, who also has it now.
All i can say to you my friend is just stay healthy and fit. Yes, maybe you will have it until you get old but you would have known how to handle it better then. Just don't do things of which you are well aware of will trigger the attack. My father does that always...he knows it will make him sick but still he does it, which makes it so difficult for me because he stays with me and my girls. Take care, my friend.
1 person likes this
@AndrewFreyne (6281)
• United Kingdom
20 Oct 08
As all your family have had asthma it sounds like you have quite a bit of experience with it. I envy the fact that you were able to outgrow your asthma, I always wished for this. Did it just leave you one day and that was it? I was told that it would probably disappear in my 20s but it never did! Well, I am able to remain in control now. My worst fear is when I reach old age! How am I going to be able to cope then? Anyway, thanks. Andrew 
@cher913 (25782)
• Canada
20 Oct 08
i do suffer from asthma and i see my asthma dr on thursday actually (i see him every 6 months) and although i dont exercise (due to severe arthritis in my knees) i don't suffer from it that much. just during the summer (when its hot and muggy) and when i have a cold or something like that.
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@AndrewFreyne (6281)
• United Kingdom
20 Oct 08
I too visit my local asthma clinic every year and I see a nurse there. She always updates me as to what is going on as regards asthma, whether there are any latest developements and so forth. I also then have to blow into the peak flow meter to check my lung capacity. Yes, the cold can affect asthma quite bad. I have to stick every layers on when the winter is real bad. I am pleased with my progress though and my exercise does help me a lot. All the best. Andrew
@bombshell (11256)
• Germany
20 Oct 08
hi Andrew sorry to hear it but my mother was astmathic too coz of allergy.then past fes years she had very difficult astma attacked then we visited her Dr.in my town till then no more problems.she had tablet for allergy and ventolin tablet and so far after 6 yrs she never suffered again.
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@bombshell (11256)
• Germany
20 Oct 08
sorry to hear but itsworth it to wait.so maybe someday it will disappear like my mother.
@AndrewFreyne (6281)
• United Kingdom
20 Oct 08
I wish that there was something that could be done in order for my asthma to disappear forever! I guess there's no cure at the moment though. Your mother sounds as though she was very lucky in that her asthma totally disappeared. I don't think I will ever get that lucky! I think I have my asthma for the rest of my life now. My asthma even prevented me from doing what I wanted career wise! I wanted to join the armed forces but they told me that I had to have a clear chest for five years. Oh well! My story goes on! Andrew
@chingbeem (910)
• Philippines
19 Oct 08
Hi andrew...how have you been?
My husband's side of the family is genetically asthmatic people.LOL.
So when I had the kids...we were in and out of the hospital after long trips or when the maid could not clean really so well or when the grass outside are in bloom. My kids' Pedia Pulmo specialists tole us that when they reach the age of 7 or 8,the attacks will lessen. Sure enough it did! I am so thankful. Do you smoke?I hope not,asthma attacks will be triggered. Also since you are allergic to foods,like nuts, I bet chocolates too...you will have to avoid them. Since you are cyclist,that would be a great help and if you notice,if you cant exercise,asthma attack comes in,right?Just live a healthy life. Mind over matter, asthma is not your best friend---dont think about it so much
1 person likes this
@chingbeem (910)
• Philippines
20 Oct 08
only a few discussions this time,cant think of interesting ones as I am too busy-just go over exam week...my students are exhausted as much as the teachers,Id be away this wednesday til 1st week of November...holidays here...be back soon...
@icedcoffeemallows (649)
• Philippines
21 Nov 08
The American Lung Association recommends the following exercise:
1. While standing, contract all your muscles. Keep them contracted for a few seconds.
2. Release the muscles, like letting the air out of a balloon. Relax all your muscles completely until you feel like a limp cloth.
3. Let yourself fall to the floor, and stretch out. Close your eyes and relax your face and your feet.
4. Imagine that you are floating on water. Concentrate on the effect the earth's gravity has on your muscles and on the pleasant feeling of being completely relaxed.
5. Breathe gently and quietly, as if you were about to fall asleep.
6. Open your eyes.
Practicing this exercise when you feel an attack coming on, or once it is already started, will help you overcome your asthma condition.
@AndrewFreyne (6281)
• United Kingdom
21 Nov 08
Hi, thanks for the information that you have provided. I'm in control of my asthma now thankfully. I was always hoping that it would eventually disappear but it never did!! Andrew
@icedcoffeemallows (649)
• Philippines
21 Nov 08
Thanks for that best response. I'm hoping for the continuous improvement of your health Andrew. Always take good care of yourself my friend. ^__^
I'm hoping for the continuous improvement of your health Andrew. Always take good care of yourself my friend. ^__^1 person likes this
@alokn99 (5717)
• India
20 Oct 08
Andrew, I suffered as well during my childhood .From the age of 4 till the i was around 12. The wheezing, the breathlessness , the sleepness nights, difficult to forget. It hampered my sporting activities during those years. We did not have the inhalers at that time in our country and the tablets would take and hour or so to take effect. When it got worse it would requires some injections including cortisone. I know how horrible this is and feel very strongly for people whos suffer from it. I lost my mother due to asthama, which she suffered for 30 years.
How i got our of it, was due to the advice and treatment given by an aunt of mine who was a paedetrican. She advice me to take a controlled course of ephidrine tablets for 1 year. This helped as my stamina too built up and the lungs got stronger in the period. Have never experienced and attack again, thankfully.
All the best to you. You need to keep your spirits up. New developments in the treatment of asthama should help you. You have the best wishes of all your friends here.
@AndrewFreyne (6281)
• United Kingdom
20 Oct 08
Hi, it's nice to share all these different responses! You tend to think you are alone when it comes to asthma but I guess this isn't the case. I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Thankfully, I have never had a serious attack to date but I still tend to get all wheezy after a long bike ride! Thanks for your support anyhow. Andrew
@marciascott (25529)
• United States
20 Oct 08
I have Asthma but I seem to have it under control. I was on a Breathing Machine and I have two inhalers thast I take, when I have a cold it activates my Asthma.
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@AndrewFreyne (6281)
• United Kingdom
20 Oct 08
The cold really does it for me as well. I have to wrap up quite well at the height of winter as my chest feels so tight! I am used to my way of life though in relation to my asthma! I guess you're talking about the nebulizer? I love that machine and it gives me far better relief than my ventolin inhaler. I can only receive that treatment though if I go into hospital. I don't think they give you this for the home unless you are really bad. Anyway, from one asthmatic to another, stay safe. Andrew
@AndrewFreyne (6281)
• United Kingdom
20 Oct 08
How does he cope with that? I'm sure that he has his own way of tackling his asthma. Thanks for your thoughts. Andrew
@gayathrigs (871)
• India
20 Oct 08
I dont have asthma but i do have slight bronchitis. There are many remedies to cure asthma. High consumption of apples protects against asthma. Vitamin C and manganese must be taken in high amount to reduce the symptoms of asthma. You must maintain proper weight so that you dont become a victim of asthma, you need to do pranayama and breathing exercises daily. There are many couple of breathing exercises which work perfect for asthma. Greater intake of tomatoes and leafy vegetables also reduces asthma. Bromelain is an extract taken from pineapples. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties. It is found that this also cures asthma.
@AndrewFreyne (6281)
• United Kingdom
20 Oct 08
It sounds as though you have quite an extensive knowledge when it comes to treating the symptoms of asthma! I have some of those foods from time to time but I probably don't give myself the nutrition that I should. I'm only grateful that I have a constant supply of the ventolin inhaler. This is a lifeline for me, especially when I am out cycling. I love the breathing exercise thing though. I do practise meditation from time to time and so I guess I'm concentrating on my breathing with this. Asthma's for life I guess. Andrew
@Simplyme31 (240)
• United States
19 Oct 08
I have suffered from asthma for most of my life as well as 2 of my 4 children. So far I have been lucky enough to be able to control my asthma with the use of my inhaler and hopefully that will continue to be the case. For times I am unable to access my inhaler or it runs out and I have an attack I find that sipping a cup of strong black coffee seems to help relieve my symptoms as well. Though I do not do anything in my day to day life that really helps to prevent my asthma or symptoms so maybe I will have to look into that.
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@AndrewFreyne (6281)
• United Kingdom
20 Oct 08
Yes, I've definitely had times like that whereby I was running out of medicine and I didn't order another inhaler in time. I am more careful now and I always make sure that I am fully stocked up. I have heard about some of these olympic swimmers and how they cope with their asthma! It's just amazing, the way they get on with their sport and are able to control their asthma. Well, I love keeping fit with my cycling and so forth and I don't see this as a problem now. Well, I hope you do something that you really enjoy, something that can help your asthma. Thanks. Andrew
@sweetstuff82 (99)
• United States
20 Oct 08
Well I suffered as a small child. I've been living in Louisiana all my life. When we would cross the Texas state line, I would always have an asthma attack. This was because of all of the industrial and petroleum companies in the area. My mom would give me my medicine and I would be ok. Every now and then I may feel a slight wheeze when I breath. All I can say is take your medicine. I work at a hospital and many people who come in have asthma as well as other chronic conditions such a COPD and lung cancer and they smoke. The best thing I can say is take care of yourself, stay out of smoke free environments, don't smoke, get regular checkups. Have the doctors do PFTs (Pulmonary Function Test) on you to see how you lungs are working. Take your meds because asthma is a chronic life threatening condition.
Good Luck on this!!
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@AndrewFreyne (6281)
• United Kingdom
20 Oct 08
I have become so used to asthma now and I accept that it may be with me for the rest of my life. I do attend an asthma clinic once a year and this is very helpful. As regards the pollution and smoke, thankfully it's not too bad where I am. I have one row of houses behind me and then it's nothing but countryside. I have run out of medication in the past as I was not closely monitoring my supplies! That has changed now. I keep an eagle eye on my medicine cabinet. I've never had this Pulmonary Function Test though! I blow into this peak flow meter thing and this kind of tests my lung capacity. Anyway, thanks for your thoughts. Andrew
