is asthma forever?
I'm new to this site, and I recently had an asthma attack. before that, the last one I had was years ago. It was controllable most of the time, but I had a random attack, which made me wonder: does asthma stay forever? I've been diagnosed since 10, but I would appreciate advice. Even if yours is controllable, how do you handle the day-to-day as someone with asthma?
Good morning
Welcome to our asthma community. It must have been a relief to go so long without any asthma issues. I'm sorry to hear that you recently had an asthma attack after such a long respite. To address your question, once someone is diagnosed with asthma, it typically remains a part of their life. However, there are instances where asthma seems to go into remission as we age. This can lead to extended periods, sometimes even years or permanently, where asthma symptoms are minimal or nonexistent. While the exact reasons for this remission are unclear, it may be attributed to changes in airway sensitivity or avoidance of triggers that once exacerbated asthma symptoms.
As you've experienced, asthma can resurface unexpectedly. It's possible that you were exposed to a trigger that had been avoided for many years. Determining the exact cause can be challenging, but discussing your specific situation with your doctor, who knows your medical history best, may provide insights.
Regarding your second question about managing day-to-day life with asthma, here (https://asthma.net/living/10-tips-for-obtaining-good-control) is an article I wrote that you may find helpful. It talks about how to obtain good control. But those tips will also help you "maintain" good control -- and once there (as you know) you should be able to do most of the things you enjoy -- despite having asthma. What do you think?
- I agree with Experiencing an asthma attack after years of control can indeed be unsettling and raise questions about the long-term nature of asthma. While asthma is a chronic condition, it doesn't necessarily mean you'll have frequent attacks throughout your life. Many people go through periods of good control with minimal symptoms, followed by occasional flare-ups. As someone with asthma, handling the day-to-day involves being proactive about your health. This includes taking your prescribed medications regularly, avoiding triggers such as allergens or pollutants, and staying vigilant for any early signs of worsening symptoms. It's also essential to have an asthma action plan in place, outlining steps to take in case of an attack. Wishing you the best - Rebecca (team member)
