Asthma
I wanted to include a page on asthma because I know that some of you who read this also have asthma. Asthma can be scary at times, but with all of the new medications, it is not too bad. Astma can be controlled as long as the medications are taken as prescribed and triggers are avoided. A trigger is something that causes people to have asthma attacks. Some examples of triggers are smoke, pollen, stress, strong odors, foods, animals, colds, and dust mites. These are just a few. The triggers that I must avoid are strong odors,cold air, exercising without taking my medicines, smoke, stress, colds, molds, dust mites, many perfumes and cleaning solutions, and stuffy places. I am fortunate that I am not allergic to anything, but these triggers act much in the same way as allergies would. An asthma attack makes it hard for the person to breath because of the airways being constricted or made smaller. It is like breathing through a straw. Often there is violent coughing along with it. I once cracked bruised my ribs from coughing so hard! I have done very well since being on my medications. As long as I take them, I do not have many attacks at all.
As you will learn in health class, most drugs have side-effects. My medications are no different. The side-effects include dry mouth (That's why you will see me drink a lot of water.), dizziness,fatigue, insomnia, upset stomach, weight gain, nausea, sleepiness, anxiety, bad taste in your mouth, and some other things. At least, these are the ones that I have experienced; it's still better than having an attack. If you are on asthma medication, take that medication even if it does make your hands shaked for a little after each dose and/or you get a bad taste in your mouth. "It's a matter of life and breath!" Stay away from cigarettes, pipes, and cigars too!
Along with asthma, I also have rhinitis which means that I am usually clogged up in my nose. I take medications for this too. The side-effects are similar to the ones above.
I take about 6 - 7 medication each day, two or three times a day. One medication is to help my brain function right. These medications are not fun, but I am thankful for them.
One thing that I do not like is when people treat me differently because of my illnesses. I am a normal person who does not need special attention! I want to be treated the same as everybody else. I think you understand.
Here are some links to some pages about some of the things that I have mentioned on this page: