25 Years Since Our Asthma Diagnosis

 This was what my son looked like 25 years ago when we received a surprise asthma diagnosis in the hospital. Except he should also have an oxygen mask on too.

 As I learned more about asthma, I realized that it wasn't normal to cough and be short of breath all the time. Well, huh.

I was also diagnosed with asthma, as was my young daughter and older son.

I would like a refund on my genetics please. 

What I Wish I Had 25 Years Ago

Trust Your Instinct 

You are the expert on your body. You know when something isn't right for you, your children, or another family member you care for.

I had read a magazine article about asthma, and was sure my son had it. But the pediatrician said no. A few weeks later, my son was hospitalized and THEN I found out he had asthma. 

If your doctor won't listen to you, find one that will.

Asthma Education would have been helpful. 

25 years ago, computers weren't common, and smart phones didn't exist. I couldn't sit at my son's bedside and look up info about asthma. 

Now there are a few allergy & asthma nonprofits in the U.S. that specialize in patient education. They are all different, but have some have free webinars, a free annual conference, websites brimming with information, and even cartoons & comic books for kids.

You can find online support groups if you need to vent or a shoulder to cry on.

Many states have Asthma Home Visit programs that send Asthma Educators to your home to provide in depth asthma education, check your inhaler technique, and teach you how to make your home allergy & asthma friendly. Some are grant funded, and free to you.

There are also agencies that have funding to help make your house allergy & asthma friendly, They can remove carpet and install hard surface flooring, provide air purifiers, and HEPA vacuums.

 Asthma Is Different For Everyone 

Doctors used to think everyone's asthma was the same, and then prescribe the same inhalers. Now they know that there are different types of asthma. 

Just as we all look different on the OUTSIDE, our bodies can be different on the INSIDE. Your doctor can order a blood test to see what is causing the swelling in your lungs, and then determine which type of asthma you have.

Focused Approach  

Once your doctor knows what type of asthma you have, she can decide the best way to treat asthma FOR YOUR BODY.

Years ago, asthma was treated with inhalers, breathing treatments, and oral steroids. Now they use a focused approach with asthma biologics. They are used for those with severe asthma, like my son.

There are 6 asthma biologics on the market, and they all work to block different molecules in your body that cause inflammation.  

Your doctor can focus on which biologic you need. They can be pricey, so check into co-pay assistance. We received financial help for 7 years for my son's pricey biologic. I use Needymeds to find co-pay help for different medicines.  

They don't offer co-pay help, but they track companies that do. 

What Have You Learned Since Your Diagnosis?

Are there things you wish you would have known when you were diagnosed? 

Are there tips you have for other people?