I Hate Needles! Good Thing I Don't Need Them For Asthma! Phew!

I was watching the news and saw videos of people getting the COVID vaccine. There was a man and a woman in different clinics, both getting their vaccine, both were squirming and screaming, and both had people holding them down. I watched the news story and burst out laughing. I know, I'm so mean. My daughter rolled her eyes and said, "Really mom?!"

Are there really people who have gone their entire life without contact with a needle? No vaccines? Never had blood drawn? Never had an IV? Or an epidural? I know kids are afraid of needles, but most outgrow it once they reach adulthood.

But I don't need needles for asthma, right?

About that. Um, Yes and no.

I hate to break it to you, but there are many things used to treat asthma, including inhalers, nebulizers, pills, and needles.

Allergy shots can help control asthma

The majority of people with asthma also have seasonal allergies, and controlling the allergies (I'm looking at you, spring!) will help control asthma. Sometimes, you may feel like allergy medicine isn't working. No matter how many allergy pills or allergy nose sprays you use, your allergies keep you up and night sneezing and wheezing.

My kids could easily sneeze 30 times in a row before they started allergy shots. No kidding - we counted!

Your allergy and asthma specialist may suggest you try allergy shots (also called immunotherapy). Your doctor will first test you for allergies, and that can include a blood draw (sorry, that means a needle), or do a skin test on your back or arm.¹

Then they mix a serum just for you, and you get tiny shots twice a week (one in each arm). Then you gradually move to once a week, then once a month, etc. The whole process takes about 3-5 years. And it's a lot of needles - but life is so much better when your allergies are under control!¹

Biologics

Those with severe asthma that can't be controlled using inhalers may need a biologic. A biologic is a man-made serum that works with the cells in your body to stop inflammation. There are many different types of biologics on the market, and they are all given differently. Most are given by injection, but one is given as an IV. Some are given twice a month, once a month, or once every other month.²

Needle phobia

You may be thinking, "Well, that's just great - I HATE needles! I didn't think my asthma treatment plan would include needles! "

Well, who really likes needles? I'm not sure anyone does. But some people have an EXTREME fear of needles, it's called trypanophobia.³

Most kids are scared of needles but outgrow it by adulthood. But some adults never outgrow their fear of needles. Maybe they had a traumatic experience in the past with needles? Maybe a family member did?

What if I have trypanophobia?

So what now? Well, have no fear! There is help available! Experts can use cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, or even medication to help you deal with your fear of needles. Talk to your doctor if you have an extreme needle phobia and see what treatment for trypanophobia is right for you.

Has anyone been so afraid of needles that they skipped vital treatments for asthma or other conditions? Share your experience with us below and if anything helped you overcome your fear of needles!