My Life as an Asthma Mom

I just read an article about a group of moms who live just south of Seattle. They were on a mission to educate preschools how to be allergy & asthma friendly. Great job ladies! Preschools have a lot to worry about - kids with runny noses, potty accidents, kids fighting with each other, choking hazards, etc.  They do a great job with those busy little kiddos! But, most preschools I have worked with were also willing to learn how to make the preschool allergy and asthma friendly. The moms from the Seattle area had a few things for preschools to watch for: Cockroaches These sneaky little bugs are rarely seen, but can leave behind body parts, saliva and feces - all of which can cause allergies (and asthma attacks) for kids Mold Slow leaks can cause mold over time. A few tips from Allergy & Asthma Foundation include improving air flow, use exhaust fans, use a dehumidifier and central air, fix leaks and make sure rain spouts drain A...

Most of the time, you hear about kids with food allergies. But The Today Show had a story with Dr. Azar about adults suddenly developing food allergies.  This is something I can relate to because I suddenly developed a seafood allergy as an adult. When I told a family member about that, he said, "No way. I remember you used to eat tuna sandwiches when we were kids!"  I told him, "Well, I can't anymore!" He refused to believe that I could suddenly be allergic to  seafood. I told him that you can develop food allergies at any time. I am in good company - I am one of 26 million adult Americans with a food allergy. And 50% developed food allergies after age 18. I am in that group that developed a food allergy as an adult. The Today story said that there are 3 main foods that adults can suddenly become allergic to. They are: Which is exactly what I am dealing with, I am allergic to ALL seafood (shellfish, salmon -  you name it...

If you are a parent, you know how it feels some time - you wonder if your kids are actually listening to anything you say. Now that my 3 children are all college age and they are on their own, I am not as much a part of their life. So, I was surprised the other day when Son #2 told me he had set a doctor's appointment because he wasn't feeling like he should after his bout with bronchitis. He wasn't sure if he was getting sick again, or if he didn't recover from his bronchitis a few weeks ago.   But he knew. He knew something was wrong. He knew his lungs didn't good and the pain in his lungs "just wasn't right." I have to tell you I had mixed emotions - of course worried (like all moms) that something was wrong with his lungs, but surprised and proud that he recognized it and was headed to the doctor to see what was going on. On his own. Without me.  He HAD been listening to me over the years and knew something was...

      This infographic is from Allergy & Asthma Network, and shows the effects of smoking on asthma. It seems like most people know the connection with asthma and smoking cigarettes. Like the quote in the poster that says:  "Kids with asthma who are exposed to second hand smoke at home = 2x more likely to be hospitalized due to asthma flare" But - what about vaping? Also called e-cigarettes, Cigalikes, Vape Pens, Ego Cigarettes, Mods, E-Hookah, Shisha Pens or  electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS). Some people claim ENDS help them "quit smoking". I know someone who switched from cigarettes to vaping to help them quit smoking. That was years ago - they are still vaping.......  I avoid smokers - because I don't smoke and don't want to smell like I'm a smoker. And - it will trigger an asthma attack for me.  I just read a study from CHES Journal (Official Publication of the American College of Chest Physicians) It shows...