Could That Suffocating Feeling Really Be Asthma?

How many of you were identified as having Asthma as an ADULT like I was? It was QUITE shocking!

I’m active and like to hike, so I went to Spray Falls which is in the Mt. Rainier area, about 15 years ago. While traversing up the mountain, I had to continuously stop to catch my breath. This seemed odd. I couldn’t figure it out. I wanted to get to the top to take pictures because the scenery was stunning, I just was having a hard time getting there. I eventually reached the top and took some pictures. I would love to go again someday.

The shortness of breath continued at home. I didn’t understand what was going on. I had to keep stepping outside for air. What was up? It was getting scary!

My allergist advised me that I had asthma. How could I have asthma? I’m an adult. How could this be? Why was this happening to me?

I was sent home with a preventive inhaler for daily use and an emergency inhaler to use during an attack. Even though I had the preventive inhaler, I refused to use it. I was still in denial that I needed it. I happened to be out on the trail one day with my husband and experienced a severe asthma attack. For some reason I had the preventive inhaler with me and not the emergency inhaler. Of course, the preventive one doesn’t work during an attack. I managed to survive.

After that horrifying experience, I started to take it seriously and began using my very strong preventive inhaler two puffs twice daily. I started feeling much better but actually lost my voice, which didn’t matter. At least I could breathe!

Eventually I was able to go to a lower dosage as the asthma was under control. Since it was under control, I decided to stop using my inhaler completely right before spring because my asthma completely disappeared! It was a miracle! Really? What a terrible decision that was! The attacks came back and they were worse than ever. My husband took me to hotels just so I could breathe at night. I also hung out in malls and movie theatres for air. This was getting to be a pain.

I started using the inhaler again and have been using it for years on a daily basis. Actually now I am down to a puff every other day. When the flare ups occur, I go back to taking 2 puffs per day. There are emergency puffers and preventive puffers stashed around the house and in the cars. I never know when I’m going to have an attack.

During my attacks I would frequently PANIC. I’ve learned some helpful tricks to help deal with my situation and they’ve been a big help.

1. Don’t panic, go to a designated quite place (mine was my bedroom) and puff, lie down, and RELAX.

2. Buy a Humidifier or put a pan of hot water next to the bed. You might also jump in a hot steamy shower to open your lungs.

3. Outside COLD air can set off an attack. Don’t go outside.

4. Don’t drink cold water, drink hot water daily. It’s good to steam your lungs!

5. Talk to your doctor before going off of your daily inhaler. Never go off just because you feel better.

6. Don’t overeat! You might feel pressure on your lungs.

7. Take your emergency inhaler wherever you go. I have several that are stored in different places like bedroom, family room, purse, and each of our cars.

8. Put hardwood floors into your house.

9. During pollen season, keep your windows closed. Install air conditioning if you can afford to.

10. Buy a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter in it. Make sure it sucks the dust up and doesn’t redistribute it in another part of the house.

Always remember that If you are short of breath or think you have asthma please consult your health care professional.

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