Hi,

Having asthma is a case of being aware and being calm. I have recently
developed asthma and food allergies (the food allergies trigger
asthma).

Here are some points;

Imagine having someone your size sit on your chest while you try and
breath through a pillow. Honestly, its as close as I can imagine.
You have to stay calm, always,, asthma requires a clear, calm mind
from both the patient and carers.
Family and friends will always support you to a point because unless
you have asthma you just can't understand.

Hello,
I was hospitalized with asthma as a baby... but then learned to adjust my
behaviors (esp. physical exertion) to the point that I didn't have the
slightest idea I had asthma until I was an adult and it became problematic
again.  It began as coughing when I was carrying groceries or bags into the
house on a brisk day.  It was an occasional nuisance that was relieved with
the occasional albuterol inhaler.  As I grew older (I am nearing 50 now), my
lungs have become much more sensitive.  They slowly became more reactive to
cold and hot air, exercise, cigarette smoke, chemical smells, high
humidity... etc.  When my lungs are inflamed, nearly anything can set off
coughing, heavy chest/breathing, light headedness.  I will also wake during
the night with asthma when I'm having a bad bout.  This does require, then,
some changing of normal behaviors.  I must avoid work when they are painting
or other strong fumes... I have had to ask co-workers not to use certain air
fresheners and now supply the bathroom on my floor with a freshener I can
handle.

With this, I do have some frustrations... I miss out on social occasions
that would expose me to cigarette smoke (I had to leave my daughter's
wedding reception early when someone disregarded the bride's request that no
one smoke during the reception -- thankfully it was a few hours in, so I
didn't miss the important rituals).  During the frigid long winters in North
Dakota, I need help with taking out my trash and recyclables.  I have
coughing and wheezing fits when I have to clear the snow off my car... I
can't walk more than a few feet out in the cold or by the time I get inside,
I can only whisper when I talk.  (It's actually a strange "high" feeling
when I'm oxygen deprived -- and, then, the effect of the albuterol).

I've been working with my doctor to find the right medications.  (Someone
tell me WHY pharmaceutical companies put lactose in asthma and allergy
medications????  Milk is a very common allergen -- and I happen to be
sensitive to it.  Quite frustrating!)

Though I will feel anxious and scared at times that I will have trouble
breathing, I think it causes more worry and concern for my significant other
and family members.  It also is frustrating when I am too tired to really,
truly enjoy family times like I used to.
My significant other is very helpful to me.  He insists on carrying items
for me, especially when it is very cold outside.. and is quick to take me
out of smoky areas and make sure I am OK.  He worries at times when the
asthma is worse (like recently after a bad cold, I've had a cough that won't
quit).  It pains him to hear that sharp cough.  Thankfully, I've not had to
go to the emergency room -- my asthma is more chronic and moderate.
Sometimes, though, it's frustrating because he wants to protect me to the
point where he doesn't want to me be exposed to triggers (such as dust while
going thru items in the basement or yardwork, etc.) when I'd really like to
try (perhaps with a blue mask over my mouth and nose).

Co-workers sometimes, too, ask me if I'm OK -- or if I need to take my
inhaler.  This can be helpful at times, since when I'm short of oxygen in my
brain, I don't always think as clearly as I'd like!

OK -- so that paints a pretty dim picture... but when the asthma is well
controlled, my lungs aren't as sensitive and I have more energy (with the
help, too, of a CPAP machine for OSA).  Though the asthma is always there,
the frequency and severity of the attacks are diminished and I can lead a
closer to normal life.

It's been hard to come to terms of having a condition to which there is no
"cure", but I am hopeful that I can continue to improve the asthma (and
constant rhinitis/post nasal drip) and have more days where I feel well and
can do more activities.  I am constantly seeking out other "remedies" and
ways to help my condition and general health, especially with supplements,
herbs and a healthier diet.  I am sensitive to some foods, so I try to avoid
them (it does seem to affect my asthma if I ingest too much of the foods I'm
sensitive to.)

I hope this has been helpful for you in your quest to better understand
living life with asthma -- at least from one perspective!