Scared of Needles? I Don't Need Needles for Asthma, Right?!

 

 

Needles. 

Who really likes them?!

I was at the lab getting some blood drawn when the tech asked me if I was okay. I said yes - needles are no big deal. I have had many surgeries, so needles are nothing compared to that!

 But many people are REALLY scared of needles. 

Years ago, I was at the lab waiting for a blood test, and saw a big, burly construction worker in front of me. Suddenly, I heard a thud and saw that he passed out - face first. 

The lab worker was there alone and quickly yelled for me to grab smelling salts. After frantically searching the cupboard, I found them and tossed them to her. She held the smelling salts under his nose and then had me help lift him back into the chair.

I was shocked at first, then had to stifle a giggle. Clearly this man had not had many surgeries, nor given birth 3 times......

Most moms have a lot of experience with medical procedures - including needles, epidurals, and c-sections.

But you don't needles to treat asthma, right?

Well...not usually. But sometimes you may. 

Allergies and asthma go hand in hand, so controlling your allergies will help control your asthma. 

For some of us, no matter what we do, our allergies are just off the chart. Steroid nose sprays, allergy pills and making our home allergy & asthma friendly are just not enough to control our allergies. 

Allergy shots (immunotherapy)

All 3 of my now adult kids had 5 years of immunotherapy (also called allergy shots.) 

That means a shot in each arm, twice a week. Then you can move to once a week, then monthly, etc. It takes about 3-5 years and means LOTS of needles. 

When my kids started allergy shots, I had to set the tone. I could freak out and make a big deal about needles, or say, "It's Tuesday - I'll pick you up after school for shots." 

I "normalized it" and made it part of our routine. 

Shots for severe asthma

Another time when you may encounter needles with asthma is if your severe asthma can't be controlled with regular treatment (a daily, combination controller inhaler.)

Sometimes, you need a biologic. Most are given by injection, but one is given by an IV. They vary - twice a week, once a month, once every other month.

They work way down at the cellular level and help treat specific "types" of asthma.

But - same thing. You just have to "normalize" getting a shot.  

If you are REALLY afraid of needles (Trypanophobia), there is help available! There are several different approaches that can help with fear of needles. 

If that's you - don't be embarrassed! Talk to your doctor and get the help you need. There are several ideas in the link for Trypanophobia above. 

Needles are a part of our life and here to stay. Might as well get used to them!