This post was sponsored by the American Lung Association. All opinions are my own.
You stopped to read this because you don’t know.
That’s the answer to my title question, isn’t it?
What we don’t know scares us.
Living scared from a condition is not a way to live.
Did you know that it is possible to control your asthma?
Uncontrolled asthma attacks strike without warning.
Panic. Fear. Gasps for air, and attacks that sometimes even hospitalization.
I know all about this because, for the last 20 years, I have lived with Severe Asthma.
Over the last 5 years, I’ve taken control of my asthma.
Today, I want to share with you how to take control of your asthma.
Again, ask yourself, “is your asthma really under control?”
My Own Story of Asthma
Experience allows me to share how to take actionable steps to get your asthma under control.
It’s happened again. I am sitting in an urgent-care type facility.
Chest crushing pressure, that was not a heart attack rather asthma.
A migraine because of issues with air and oxygen. Tears, that barely can flow because I am currently dehydrated.
Coughing has been a nightmare this time.
Difficulty breathing, this just sucks, it’s adult asthma and I am in the midst of yet another severe asthma episode.
I’ve barely got a ‘squeak’ for a voice, yet, I sit in control of my destiny, yet not yielding to what I should.
There’s a rash all over my body, what is going on?
Oh, it is hives because I am so upset.
I’m away on a travel assignment and my close friend rushes me to an ER.
It’s not the first time this has happened, but I have always jsut chalked it up to bad timing or bad luck.
The only thing bad is my attitude towards not seeking help!
Start the Discussion – Don’t Wait Until Your Asthma is Out of Control
Once treated, things go back to normal. I return to my home from my trip and just like that something happens again?
What is going on? However, I am taking my medications and avoiding the triggers I know about.
ACTIONABLE STEP ONE for those with Asthma
Use this link to access Questions to Ask Your Doctor about your Asthma.
My Thoughts This Time – As I sit At The Doctors Office
Mentally incapable of speaking for some reason, I think to myself, ‘Dana ask him, ask for help, and what to do for future Asthma attacks.’
This way, your time with your physician will be much more productive.
Externally and physically, I am so run down, exhausted, intoxicated with sleep deprivation from asthma attack after attack.
I fail myself and I don’t communicate. ~ With Asthma
Why am I not asking questions, I need help. Who can help me, how bad is my asthma, is it out of control?
Really, did I just ask if my asthma is out of control with all of the outstanding descriptors I just provided?
It’s as though I am inebriated by alcohol, but its the fog in my brain from the severity of the attacks, sleeplessness from coughing.
I’m agitated, scared, and physically anxious. This is a train wreck.
Please, I think to myself, “Please Doc, see how bad things are and handle it just this one last time!”
He does. In fact, it’s a turning point in my relationship with my severe asthma and a deepened respect for my doctor who recognized how ill I was.
This time, he sends me to the hospital for help with my Asthma.
My physician realizes he can’t treat what is going on, it is so far beyond basic medications that I take for my asthma and avoidance of triggers.
Things are going to be different this time, there are no simple fixes. I’m hospital-bound.
Does this sound familiar? Do you have the same experience? Keep reading.
My PCP calls his friend, another doctor, in my presence, they set up a consultation while in the hospital.
I’m one of the lucky ones.
My doctor stepped up on my behalf. All I can say is, “thanks!”
You have got to start the conversation, use the link I provided above from the Lung Association.
Create a productive dialogue between you and your doctor about Asthma.
Additionally, not all of YOU with asthma and continual, recurrent asthmatic symptoms reach out to your doctor.
It might be the co-pay, lack of doctor choices, or your fear of the doctor?
Others of us, believe we have our asthma under control, but the reality is, we don’t.
Whatever it is, really that next uncontrolled severe asthma attack is not worth your life!
STOP – It’s your life and you are important!
Actionable Step TWO – Take back your breathing power from Asthma
Take the My Asthma Control Assessment by touching this link!
When you are done taking it, access the downloadable summary.
This will give you an idea if your asthma is controlled or not.
Next, schedule an appointment with your PCP or allergist, or immunologist, or respiratory doctor (whoever you see) and bring it with you.
You Are NOT Alone ~ What YOU Need To Know
Did you know that according to the American Lung Association, more than 25 million Americans are living with asthma?
In fact, the majority of these Americans live active and healthy lives.
However, some, actually experience daily, severe symptoms despite using high dose asthma medicines and avoiding triggers.
This is what was happening to me and if this is happening to you, it could be severe asthma.
Severe Asthma – What You Don’t Know
Severe asthma affects approximately 5-10 percent of people with asthma.
It’s so dangerous, and you already read my story, so you understand that.
Increased risk of death, illness, depression and even a limited ability to work or go to school is a good way to describe the outcome of severe depression.
Moreover, severe asthma is responsible for 50 percent of all asthma healthcare costs.
Control is the key. Yes, severe asthma can be controlled, I am the walking poster child supporting this.
How Life Has Changed with Asthma
Life is different now.
I can get air in, and I am sleeping through the night.
I am not living rescue to rescue, nor running to the doctor on a continual basis.
I’ve got a regular checkup with my specialist.
The hurdle and burden are behind me.
Your Physician of Choice Can’t Do It Without You.
Take the questionnaire above in Actionable Step One.
Follow it with Actionable Step 2.
Doctors have education about asthma and are your go-to source.
Ask your doctor for help and speak up for yourself.
Explaining to your doctor that your asthma is bothering your lifestyle is key to your commitment to yourself and controlling Severe Asthma.
I did. Make a difference in your own life.
Understand that no one should have to struggle to breathe, as there are ways to help even the most severe asthma cases.
Your journey begins today. ~Dana
