Growing Up With Asthma in the 1970s and 1980s: Part 2

Editor's Note: This is a 2-part series. Read part 1 here.

I have now lived with asthma for 50 years. And I have now been blogging about asthma for 15 years. Over that time, I’ve written about various aspects of this disease. However, I have not written much about my asthma experiences as a kid – the experiences that shaped who I have become.

So, in honor of my 50th anniversary dealing with this disease, I decided to talk about some of my most memorable childhood asthma experiences.

Growing up with asthma in the '70s and '80s

Going to the asthma hospital

Let’s see! Where did I leave off in part 1? Oh, yeah! I was talking about my 1984 asthma experience. I had been admitted to the emergency room (ER) for asthma too many times. My doctors decided they didn’t know what more they could do for me. So, they arranged for me to go to the asthma hospital in Denver. My mom said our insurance wouldn’t pay for a helicopter ride, so she booked a United Airlines flight and went with me.

The next day, I was admitted to National Jewish Hospital/National Asthma Center (now known as National Jewish Health). As soon as the nurses saw me, they called a “Code Blue.” No, this wasn’t like the Code Blue you’d hear in a regular hospital, where someone’s heart or lungs have stopped working. Their Code Blue referred to cyanosis – when your lips and fingertips turn bluish due to low oxygen levels.

The nurses saw that I had cyanosis, and they rushed into action. They had me sit down, gave me an immediate breathing treatment, and sprang into motion.

Dyspnea tolerance

Through all of this, I remember thinking, “Um, why the urgency? I feel fine!” I didn’t like all the attention they were giving me. Once the nurses were satisfied that I was stable, they sat me down to talk. It was during this conversation that I heard the phrase “dyspnea tolerance” for the first time.

They explained that I was far too relaxed about my breathing trouble. They suggested that because I’d been short of breath so often as a kid, I had learned to tolerate it and act like I was fine, even when I wasn’t. This, they said, was not a good thing.

I had a hard time accepting this, but over time, I realized they were right. The team at NJH/NAC was incredibly knowledgeable, and they were determined to help me get my asthma under control. Over the next several weeks, the doctors adjusted my medicine regimen, and I attended asthma education classes.

They taught me about asthma triggers and how to avoid them, as well as the importance of recognizing and responding to early warning signs. This kind of information is widely available today, but back then it was life-changing for me.

Another diagnosis

Here’s something I’ve never shared before: During my time at the hospital, I was also diagnosed with anxiety. This wasn’t the kind of anxiety caused by asthma attacks – the panic we all feel when we can’t breathe. This was general anxiety, the kind that influenced my decisions.

For example, anxiety sometimes caused me to forget to take my medicine or ignore early warning symptoms. Looking back 35 years later, I can see that they made an accurate diagnosis, even if it was hard to accept at the time.

Discharged: What happened next

I was discharged from the asthma hospital after 6 months. My asthma stayed well controlled for several years after that. But some habits were hard to break. I was what you might call an “asthma hider.” If I felt short of breath at school, I would suffer until recess, when I’d sneak around the corner to take my 2 puffs.

I suppose this was part of the anxiety the doctors referred to. Rather than treating myself properly, I let fear of what others would think get in the way. Stupid, I know. But it’s what some of us asthmatics do.

Looking back now, I’m grateful for the lessons I learned during my time at NJH/NAC. Those experiences taught me to take my asthma seriously and to advocate for my health. They also gave me insights that I’ve carried with me throughout my life and shared with others through this blog. While I’ve come a long way since those childhood experiences, they remain a significant part of my journey – one that continues to shape how I manage my asthma and support others in the asthma community.

Today's treatment options for children with asthma

National Jewish Health continues to help children with asthma achieve better control. However, the days of extended hospital admissions like mine are long gone. Thanks to advances in medical knowledge, regional doctors now have access to the same expertise once found only at specialized centers like this. Today, children with uncontrolled asthma can receive comprehensive treatment on an outpatient basis, making care more accessible and less disruptive for families.

That's my asthma story. Did you also grow up with asthma in the '70s and '80s? Share your story by clicking on the button below.