Laughing My Way Into an Asthma AttackThere are countless asthma triggers, and what triggers your asthma can be different from someone else who has asthma. Also, asthma triggers can change over time. One of the weirdest...Reactions0reactionsComments2 comments
Remembering to Take MedicationsRemembering to take medication can be tricky, especially if you are new or newer to a chronic illness like asthma. And the more medications that are added to your regimen...Reactions0reactionsComments8 comments
Navigating Bonfire Smoke in Community SpacesLast summer, a new market space opened up just outside of my town, with a gorgeous rustic vibe and 2 rows of smaller shops from local vendors and restaurants. It...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Eco-Friendly Habits for Living with Chronic IllnessOne of the things I hate most about living with chronic illness, including asthma, is the sheer amount of medical waste I produce. As my illnesses have progressed and evolved...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Do You Have Children With Asthma?I generously passed on my asthma genes to 3 of my children. Of my 3 children with asthma, they have each had their run-ins with asthma attacks. Thankfully, my 2...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Parenting Adult Kids With AsthmaOh, the innocence of young parents. I try to keep a straight face when a harried young mom tells me how lucky I am that my kids are all adults...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Getting Results with Digital Messaging for Asthma CareOver the last 15 years living with severe asthma and other chronic health issues that followed, I have developed some pretty strong health advocacy and communication skills with my care...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
I'm Glad My Doctor is Always LateWe have all been there. Your appointment time is 10:15, but now it is almost 11:00 and your doctor still has not been in to see you. The doctor is...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
People Forget: It’s a Normal PhenomenonI do not want to go around telling people I have asthma. But sometimes I feel I have no choice but to tell people I have asthma. In fact, sometimes...Reactions0reactionsComments30 comments
Asthma, Air Quality, and Canceled PlansIt has already happened once this summer, but for the second time, a dramatic air quality drop from wildfire smoke has thrown me off my otherwise generally well-controlled asthma game!...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
A Basket of GoodiesHaving a chronic illness, like asthma, there are a few items that I reach for on a regular basis. I am not the best at keeping track of some of...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
School Band: Does it Help or Hurt Asthma?I do not know if all schools require this, but in my state, they require students take a band or orchestra class starting in junior high. My 3 kids all...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Preemies Rule!Preemies rule! But we may be a bit screwed when it comes to early life events in asthma. This has been a million-dollar question that I have been asking my...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
More and More Wheezers and Sneezers!In the UK right now, local councils across the country are stretched. Our roads are constantly being repaired, our bins are not being collected on time. The hedges and grass...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
How Do You Organize and Manage Your Medications?Successfully managing asthma can depend on many factors, one of which is medication. As a lifelong asthmatic and professional respiratory therapist, I have a comprehensive understanding of how important this...Reactions0reactionsComments6 comments
Will There Ever Be a Non-Steroid Inhaler to Help Prevent My Asthma?One wish I have always had is to get off all steroid treatment. Steroids have kept me chained to my inhalers and ointments all my life, and I have never...Reactions0reactionsComments36 comments
Should I Push Through or Rest with Asthma?I feel like my brain and body are always playing tug-of-war. My brain says things like, “Keep going, you can do it!” and “Just push through!” or “You’ll feel better...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Asthma and Friendships: High School, University, and BeyondWhen I was diagnosed with asthma in grade 11 I had several friends who also had asthma. While our asthma was different (I would later learn I had severe asthma...Reactions0reactionsComments0 comments
Taking Emergency Meds to the White HouseI was flying to Washington, DC, (again) for work. My family often joins me every May as advocates from all over the United States visit our reps on Capitol Hill...Reactions0reactionsComments6 comments
Did I Miss the Instructions? Navigating Appointments That Are TwistyThis time of year always brings a new crop of fellows and residents to my severe asthma clinic. It is an interesting time of year, as they are ripe with...Reactions0reactionsComments3 comments