My Life as an Asthma Mom

Some of you may use your inhaler by itself. For me, I have found it to be MUCH more effective to use a spacer or a valved holding chamber.     What are they? American Lung Association (ALA) has a helpful web page that tells the difference between a spacer and a valved holding chamber. ALA says: A spacer is a device that is placed on the mouthpiece of your quick relief inhaler. When used, a spacer creates “space” between your mouth and the medicine. This space helps the medicine break into smaller droplets. The smaller droplets can move easier and deeper into your lungs when you breathe in your medicine. ( Photo from ALA http://www.lung.org/lung-disease/asthma/living-with-asthma/making-treatment-decisions/holding-chambers-and-spacers.html) A valved holding chamber is a type of spacer that includes a one-way valve at the mouthpiece. This device does more than provide “space” between your mouth and the medicine. It also traps and holds your medicin...

I just read a surprising article, it was titled "Having Asthma Could Double Your Risk of a Heart Attack." What??!! The article says: One study found that those with asthma who require daily controller medication are 60 percent more likely to have a cardiovascular event like a heart attack during a 10-year period. The other finding may be even more striking. Those with active asthma (meaning current asthma symptoms) or asthma medication use, and those who sought treatment for asthma within the previous year, are twice as likely to have a heart attack than those without active asthma. So what does asthma have to do with your heart? How is that connected?  The article says: The tie between them could be inflammation, or swelling. Both asthma and heart disease are associated with higher levels of inflammation. Inflammation is the immune system’s attempt to heal body tissues after an injury, infection, or other damage. Some inflammation is good, but chro...

When you think asthma, you probably think of someone using their inhaler. BUT there is a pill that has been used for years to control asthma and allergies. Singulair (montelukast sodium) is a once a day pill that is used to treat asthma and allergies.  Singulair is a leukotriene modifier. What does that mean? It was explained to me like this: leukotriene is what is released in the body during an asthma attack. Histamine is what is released in the body during an allergic reaction. So, people take antihistamines to block the histamine from being released into the body (and help control allergies). Think of Singulair like an "antileukotriene." It helps control the release of leukotriene (and can help control asthma.) Still confused? Dr. Martha White wrote an article for Allergy and Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics (AANMA.)   Singulair might be an option for some people to treat their asthma. Dr. White says it's available as sprinkles and as a chewabl...

There are things we learned along the way of when our kids hospitalized 14 times for asthma (mostly thanks to pneumonia, sometimes it was the smoke from forest fires) I'll share a few of the things we learned. Keep in mind that every hospital and every nurse are different. So, these may not be helpful to you OR you may find other things that help your kids. 1. A Bubble Humidifer. The picture above is an  "oxygen bubble humidifier." In hospitals, instead of using an oxygen tank, the oxygen comes out of the wall (there is some sort of system behind the wall......I don't know the science of how it works.) But the important thing to remember if your child is on oxygen is to have a bubble! The bubble is filled with water and adds a little moisture to the oxygen so your child's nose doesn't dry out and bleed. We had that happen - A LOT! It's not fun :( 2. Bring things from home . If there are things that help your kids feel better, bring them to...

We live in an area with a lot of mountains, and although it hasn't snowed in the valley yet, the mountain tops have been dusted in snow. When it gets cold enough to snow, it causes problems for my asthma. Cold temperatures are one of my asthma triggers. It's important to know what triggers your asthma, (or causes an asthma attack) because then you can avoid those things.  Asthma triggers can be different for everyone: Animals (cats, dogs, horses, etc) Pollen (flowers, trees, bushes) Dust Mold Certain foods or medicines Stress Irritants (smoke, strong scents) Colds or the flu Exercise Cold temperatures  So, what do you do when you live in an area that is cold for most of the winter? Move to Hawaii of course!! Just kidding....although I would REALLY move to Hawaii if I could! I pretend to be fashionable and wear a scarf. When I go outside, I can drape the scarf over my neck and mouth. That helps warm up the air before I breathe in. I also ...

There are many schools in the U.S. that stock Epi Pens - just in case. There are students who have NEVER had an allergic reaction, but have their first one at school. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency. Once anaphylaxis starts, death can happen in as little as 30 minutes.  We are lucky because our school district stocks Epi Pens at EVERY school in the district. They can be used on anyone - a student, faculty member, even a visitor to the school. I just read about how schools in England are stocking asthma inhalers - just in case. Most classes have at least 2 students with asthma (this is true in America too.) In England, the article says that:   "Around 20 school children in England and Wales die every year from asthma, and most deaths occur before the child reaches hospital. " That just breaks my heart. It's my worst fear that one of my kids won't recognize the symptoms of an asthma attack and won't use their inhaler in time. :( There is ...