My Life as an Asthma Mom

  A few years ago, I coordinate an Asthma Home Visit Program.  I provided in-depth asthma education to families.I know that doctors would like to spend more time providing education to their patients, but they just don't have time.  You may have been diagnosed with asthma while in the hospital, or at a doctor's office. And the doctor can explain a LOT of things - all at once. It's like trying to drink out of a fire hydrant. When I meet with families, I try to reinforce what the doctor explained to them, and then fill in the gaps about how to control their asthma.  It's good to learn about medications and asthma triggers, but it's also important to learn how to make a home allergy & asthma friendly. When I say "home", that can mean apartment, house, trailer home, condo, whatever they consider a home. During one visit, a woman answered the door and said, "If you are going to tell me to get rid of my dog, you can just turn around and walk back out th

 It seems like we'll never get away from COVID.  People are still getting COVID, and the number of people with Long COVID is growing. I belong to a social media group for other people with Long COVID. It's a place where people can share their symptoms, struggles, and treatment plans that worked for them.  I had COVID last year and missed a month of work. In additional to my high dose dual maintenance inhaler, I needed oral steroids, Paxlovid, and breathing treatments every 4 hours - around the clock. I had a very difficult time getting my energy level back, and my oxygen level rarely went above 91. I know that there are many ways to assess asthma, and relying only on oxygen levels isn't the best idea.  As a Certified Asthma Educator, I teach families to look at signs and symptoms too. I had fatigue, a persistent cough, shortness of breath, a hard time sleeping (unless I was propped upright), etc etc For some reason, I didn't feel like I needed oxygen.  I'll order o