Asthma is a very serious and permanent condition that has a negative effect on how a person lives their day to day life. Imagine not being able to breathe while also constantly wheezing and coughing. According to cdc.gov, one in twelve people have asthma. I have had asthma since I was eight years old. Some people are born with it while others can be diagnosed later in life. Here are 11 struggles people with asthma deal with.
1. Having to constantly carry around an inhaler.
An inhaler is a steroid medicine that helps open the airways in your lungs. Some people have to use them over three times a day. They're also pretty expensive and can cost around thirty dollars. Even using one in public can sometimes be extremely uncomfortable.
2. When you choke on someone's perfume.
Strong perfume can do a lot more damage on someone with asthma.
3. When a common cold can make you feel like you're dying.
My wheezing gets ten times worse when I have a cold and I can't even breathe half the time.
4. Getting uncontrollable shakes when using a nebulizer.
A nebulizer is also used to help your lung capacity, but is much more powerful than an inhaler. It's very loud and because the steroid is so strong, my hands shake from using it.
5. When you can't even go on a run, even if you tried.
I am not a runner and never will be. Even when I was a kid I played soccer and would get out of breath easier than the other kids.
6. When laughing can turn into an asthma attack.
Sometimes I laugh so hard, I start wheezing or hacking up a lung. My friends have to constantly ask me if I'm okay, and most of the time, the answer is no. That's when you have to use the inhaler for the fourth time in a row.
7. Asthma attacks in general.
They are so scary and you never really know when or where you'll have one.
8. Second hand smoke.
This is the main reason why I have asthma. Second hand smoke in closed areas is awful.
9. Elevators are your best friend.
I would rather be late to class than have to rush up three flights of stairs and come into a class wheezing and having everyone hear me breathing.
10. Not being able to have certain jobs or do certain things because of asthma.
You can't join the military if you have asthma. Any job that has physical activity is going to be nearly impossible.
11. The lack of awareness.
Not a lot of people know about or understand asthma. Asthma is a serious illness and not many people can just grow out of it. Hopefully one day, there will be a cure for asthma so that people can live a little better.
