Breathe Easy (My Experience of Asthma)

Member Name: dibuzz

Product:	My Experience of Asthma
Date:	21/08/01 (55 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: none

Disadvantages: distressing for all, can be serious if not controlled

Three of my four children have asthma. I felt really guilty when my second son developed it as I had only breastfed him for 6 weeks. My eldest son was fed for a year and he didn't have it so I convinced myself it was all my fault.

When my daughter was 6 months old she started to wheeze and soon was blue around the lips. I rushed to the doctor's who sent us straight to hospital. I realised how serious it was when we were led past all the people in the waiting area and taken straight to a cubicle where she was put on a nebuliser. We spent a week in the hospital and as she was still totally breastfed I knew I wasn't to blame.

After a while she settled down but had to have 3 different inhalers.

My youngest son was also diagnosed with asthma at 4 months but wasn't as bad as his sister.

With 3 children on a total of 7 inhalers 4 times a day we had to be organised. We not only had to take the inhalers out with us but also the volumatics (a device like a big bubble which makes it easier for younger children to inhale the medicine).

Of course, you can't explain how important it is to a baby and my son didn't like the mask on his face so we used to have to wrap him in a blanket and force the mask over his mouth. I hated to do this as it made him cry but at least he was taking in the medicine with each cry and I knew it was for his own good.

For years I never had a full night's sleep as one of them would be coughing. In fact I think they had a rota as they never woke up together!

Although the early years were difficult things have got better as they have got older. Only the youngest needs the volumatic now so I only have to carry one around. The others have different inhalers which they can use themselves.

When my second son was 6 he started to play rugby and this made a big difference. He gradually improved over the years and at age 11 he no longer needs a daily prevent
ative all the time. He usually needs to go back on it for a month or so in the winter.

My other two also improved with the twice weekly exercise of rugby training (yes my daughter is a rugby player and loves it). Although they still use their inhalers daily they don't usually need any extra doses unless they are unwell. The doctor assures me that the exercise has really helped.

We also had a dog so we had her "adopted" and replaced most of the carpets with wooden flooring.

Asthma does change your lifestyle but changes can be made without too much disruption and children with asthma should be encouraged to lead a normal life.

Summary: