Very Sad Some People Do Not Take Asthma Seriously

By asthmanet9577

I just read the good article here about how many people do not take asthma seriously. I believe that is very true. I have found that it may go even further than that. One person I know does not take it seriously and gets very frustrated, even angry at me, because I can't breathe when he wants to use his meat smoker for hours on end and burn his huge tree stump/limbs woodpile near where I live. I am very perplexed by his anger. I was wondering if anyone else has experienced being on the end of anger/hostility from others who do not take this seriously and may even blame the asthmatic?

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John Bottrell, RRT Moderator
Asthmanet9577. Hi. It is true that some people do not take asthma seriously. I have, in my asthma past, also experienced anger at me for this reason. Mostly, in my humble opinion, it is usually people who do not have asthma and simply do not understand because they do not have it -- as I explain in this post (<a href='https://asthma.net/living/whats-it-like-living-with-an-invisible-illness/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer nofollow'>https://asthma.net/living/whats-it-like-living-with-an-invisible-illness/</a>). And, as you note, it certainly does get frustrating. I do know that most people just need a friendly reminder (<a href='https://asthma.net/living/its-okay-to-remind-people/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer nofollow'>https://asthma.net/living/its-okay-to-remind-people/</a>). There there are a few people who do not take it seriously no matter what you do. I imagine you have made repeated attempts at explaining to this person? John. Community Moderator. <a href='http://asthma.net' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer nofollow'>asthma.net</a>
chattycathy
Hi was diagnosed with midlife onset of asthma that age 40, when I couldn't get over bronchial pneumonia. I didn't believe them so they sent me to a second specialist to confirm the diagnosis. I am now 70 , And usually my asthma is under control. I take one tab of Singular, 10 mg, per day and Advair discus inhaler once a day, I have Proventil rescue inhalers if I need them, which is rare. I have to be careful around chemicals, smoke etc., but it bothers me a little when I'm diligent about taking my medication . Before I started taking singular I was a mess and bronchitis often. I am very thankful for medicine
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator
 Hi <inline-mention user-id="3031360" username="chattycathy"/> , and thanks for joining in this conversation - we appreciate you sharing your present circumstances managing this condition, as well as sharing how it all begin for you when you were 40. It is impressive how medications, for many of us, can help control asthma. Medication has come a long way in the management of this pulmonary disease. You have been conversing with us going back several months and we value that you continue to post your thoughts in our community. For ease of reference, here is a link to our previous conversations: <a href='https://asthma.net/members/chattycathy/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer nofollow'>https://asthma.net/members/chattycathy/</a>. We are glad to have you as a member of our online community. Please know you are always welcome here! Warm regards, Leon (site moderator <a href='http://asthma.net' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer nofollow'>asthma.net</a>)
Melissa.Arnold Admin
That's so frustrating, Asthmanet. I always wonder where the anger comes from ... people can be so quick to blame and make assumptions about others. While some people are open to education and accommodating, others just aren't. Perhaps something happened in their past to cause them to lash out. Maybe they never learned how to empathize. I try to remember the saying, "Always be kind, everyone is fighting a battle you know nothing about." I know that's kind of sappy, but it can certainly help with taking the high road when people are being jerks. Sigh. Take care! -Melissa, <a href='http://asthma.net' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer nofollow'>asthma.net</a> team
lois
I've run into disbelief more than anger. An awful lot of people have heard somewhere that asthma is mostly psychosomatic and it's not easy for the asthmatic to help them shake that belief. This idea may linger because it's convenient (I don't need to stop burning trash--you need to chill out...) It also allows the believer to feel superior ("I know more about your condition than you do" and "You're the nut whose mental condition keeps putting you in the hospital.") It's also reinforced by Hollywood: so many movies have a plot arc in which a character is debilitated by asthma when they're stressed (Dog Day Afternoon, for example). Often their asthma is magically cured when they learn to face their fears or some such (It, The Goonies, etc.) Doctors have known better for decades, but some of the public is holding on to this idea.
1. Melissa.Arnold Admin
 Lois, one of our advocates, Ashlen, wrote a great article that touches on this issue last year. I thought it might resonate with you, so I dug it up: <a href='https://asthma.net/living/take-seriously/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer nofollow'>https://asthma.net/living/take-seriously/</a> Take care, Melissa, <a href='http://asthma.net' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer nofollow'>asthma.net</a> team
2. asthmanet9577
 Thank you to everyone for your very insiteful replies. Before, I honestly did not realize some people believe asthma symptoms can be psychosomatic. I believe that may be the case with the older man with whom I have been dealing with. Evidently he's "tough" and can take pain (bragged that when he had a broken leg he used a short little stick to get around (not an actual cane). To me, it seemed that he was a bit prideful about his "acomplishment." I got the impression that he looks down on others who aren't as "tough" as HE is. Now I understand that he may also think that my asthma may be all in my head. I have seen that attitude with depression. I believe that unless one experiences it personally, it is very difficult to understand how debilitating it is. With asthma, depression and some other illnesses , one doesn't have a broken leg to show others that the illness is truly real and we aren't malingerers). Although I asked very kindly to have just a few minutes of notice, the older man wants to use his smoker or burn his trash pile without giving me just a few mins notice so I can leave the area ahead of time or plan to stay inside and hire someone (who is not sensitive to smoke) to walk my dogs. Maybe it is as simple as self centeredness with all three people; I dont know. I did, however realize something important after I wrote my original question/comments: ALL 3 people who became very angry at me are heavy smokers. In hindsight, I think that may also be a big clue as why I am on the receiving end of hostility.
penelbm
Hi I know what it is like. Some people think asthma is nothing to be serious about, even think its not real, and hurt asthmatic people. I can relate to this story.
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Moderator
 <inline-mention username="penelbm" user-id="3061801"/> Hi penelbm - glad to hear this article and topic resonated so clearly with you. Have you found yourself in this sort of situation? Is there anything further you are able to share with the community at this time? All the best, Leon (site moderator <a href='http://asthma.net' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer nofollow'>asthma.net</a>)