My Asthma Journey
Growing up I didn't have asthma. I only struggled with the croup and bronchitis but I never needed an inhaler. But I did have horrible allergies and moderate eczema. That all changed when I was 17. I got very sick from a sinus infection in just a matter of days. I had a fever of 102 and I was wheezing so heavily I couldn't even talk. My phlegm was green and tasted foul coming up. Years of secondhand smoke from my grandparents, a family history of asthma and allergies had built up in my body until my lungs couldn't take anymore.
After that I was prescribed my first rescue inhaler and for a few months I was okay. But after I got sick again, this time with bronchitis, I wound up in the ER. My allergist put me on Singulair to help me breathe and for awhile I was okay again. Then 2020 hit. Right around the same time COVID hit my area, my asthma took a turn for the worse. I went from being able to walk my dog with no issues to carrying a rescue inhaler in my pocket to handle a 30 minute stroll with the dog. I decided to ask my provider about a nebulizer and my mom taught me how to use it. After that I got my first steroid inhaler. Now I can pass my breathing tests and only need my steroid inhaler part of the year.
Mom would end up diagnosed with a type of asthma similar to mine and we share my allergist often going to appointments together. Over the past 14 years I have learned how to listen to my body and manage. It's been two years since I've needed to use my nebulizer. There's hope for all of us. -K
Thanks for sharing, Kelsey. Asthma can change at different times in our lives, especially when you're not feeling well or dealing with lots of triggers. I'm glad you had access to different kinds of medications to help you meet those changes. Good to know that things are more under control now. Have a good weekend! -Melissa, team member
Your mention of COVID is significant. I have always suffered from allergies. My Asthma began and was diagnosed after a bad and lengthy case of COVID, which also attacked my larynx, requiring medical intervention and treatment. I am now on Fasenra and Advair. Stay well!
you know it's funny, I had a negative antigen test after COVID first hit but something definitely changed my asthma, Advair was my first steroid inhaler. I did get COVID after that, but at that point I was using the steroid inhaler on a regular basis. It's crazy how our asthma works. 
Thanks for sharing your personal experience here. How long has it been since your new asthma diagnosis? How are you making out on a day to day basis? Wishing you all the best, Lauren (team member)
My asthma diagnosis was about two years ago. After a year of unsuccessful medications I started on Fasenra a year ago. The improvement was amazing. I have stayed on Advair. Without Advair my lifestyle is diminished.
