Do others really understand asthma or do they just think you bring it on yourself?

Question

I often feel a little self-conscious/embarrassed to let others know that I suffer from asthma and missed work because of it. Do people really understand that when you're asthma gets out of control, it's not your fault? That when you experience a severe attack, it is not only terrifying but sometimes uncontrollable and physically debilitating? I have a friend who thought that if I just ignore it, it would go away/not be as bad, like when you suffer through a cold. It seems as if some people either think it's just a psychological problem or they think you can just take your inhaler and then get better and that's all there is to it.

Are people that educated about asthma as they should be? Does anyone else feel a little self-conscious when you admit that you're an asthmatic?

I don't tell everyone. When my friends at work or my close friends from home express concern about me, that's when I end up telling them the truth...

I actually hate drawing attention to myself...

Answer 1

I am a severe asthmatic. No one can understand what you and I go through on a daily basis except those with severe asthma.
I worked at a doctor's office as a medical assistant and STILL had sly remarks and hateful words said to my face as well as behind my back.
I would be hospitalized many, many times and still they thought it was something i could control if I put my mind to it. One co-worker suggested that I breathe into a paper bag as if i had a panic attack!
When you work in a small office setting, everyone knows who has asthma if it severe like ours. Keeping it a secret like the other answerers suggested is just not feasible.
My oxygen saturation is consistantly low (90%).
I am now a stay at home mom. My family struggles financially but at least I am home and can take my medications when I need them, get more rest, and not worr about losing my job due to frequently calling in sick.
Please feel free to email me and chat if you ever need to talk with someone who cares and understands you. I sincerely mean that and hope you do.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

Asthma is an allergy and is triggered by something. The best non medication treatment for asthma is learning your triggers and avoiding them. Common triggers are smoke, dust, mold, mildew, plants, dust mites, pets and grass/weeds.

If you can not figure our your triggers, you may need to see an allergist and have allergy screening done. This may point out your triggers.

The National Asthma Prevention Program and the Expert Panel of Diagnosis and Management of Asthma both agree if you have to use a prescription inhaler such as albuterol more then two time per week, your asthma is NOT in control and you will need a prescription controller medication.

Controller medications are steroids (Asthmacort Asthmanex, Flovent, Pulmocort), Leukotriene modifier (Singulair, Aculade, Zyflo) or mast cell stabilizers (Cromolyn sodium, Intal, Tilade).

You may want to talk to your doctor about several strong controller medications and maybe Xolair shots.

If you want a proven, all-natural way to cure your asthma, without having to pay for useless medications with harmful side-effects, then this is the most important page you'll ever read.

Answer 4

Having asthma is not being sick. It is a real life threatening condition. Some people will always think that you are using your condition to get attention or get out of work no matter what you do. It is that way with every condition known to man.

No matter what they may think, any time you will be exerting your self physically or mentally or in a closed environment, inform someone that you have asthma, so they will know what to do if you have an attact. Never fake an attact. Never use your condition. People who know you, will know that you have ethics and will know that you are for real. Always keep your inhaler handy and never use it to get attention or get your way.

Remember that you are the poster child for asthma victims everywhere. You control your world and how others perceive you. They will understand your asthma if you understand your asthma and deal with it accordingly. Don't be a victim be a survivor.

Answer 5

I have had asthma since I was 4. I'm now 37, and I do feel people still don't understand the condition, unless they actually have an attack, or a family member has it. As a kid, I would be accused of faking to get out of school early. I do let friends know of my condition, and that I have limitations to what I can and can't do. I don't feel self-conscious at all. For me, it's about being able to take my next breath.

Answer 6

Unless someone has asthma or has a family member with it they just don't understand. You just have to be strong and vocal and let people know Hey I'm sick. I tell people to imgine an elephant sitting on their chest while they try to get away from its fart is how an attack makes me feel. Most get a visual in their head and understand better. Another way is to tell they it is like trying to get air through 200 of a water hose with a at the bottom of the ocean. If you do'nt speak up and inform people they may never understand and you never know someone else may have the same problem and become you best ally

Answer 7

I know how you feel, I don't tell people I'm asthmatic unless I have to. You are so right an attack can leave you physically and mentally exhausted, people who've never had an attack can't fathom that.
My husband's family didn't understand how horrible an attack can be until they saw me have one. Then it hit home....OMG she could die without proper medical care.
There are still people out there that are just dumb about asthma, ignore them. Do what you have to to keep it under control and live your life.
When I was a kid there was a chiropractor who was sure he could "cure" my asthma. Every session with him sent me to the ER...if that was his "cure", I'll pass.

Answer 8

others are not educated, and u cant ask for that, are u educated in other diseases that U dont have, the same way u r educated with asthma?
dont fell bad for ur asthma u r the one that brings those toughts in ur mind, if u hide to take ur medicine, do u think others are going to see that a good sign?

Answer 9

I can't understand why you feel the need to tell people (except your closest friends) that you even have asthma? Why are you doing that? You don't have to tell ANYONE at work (including your boss) the reason you were out sick. They legally CAN'T ask you.

So, if you still feel the need to tell all these people, then I think you are looking for attention. So stop it.

Answer 10

When you have to have an oxygen tank on your side/back with a canula in your nose then you know what stares are all about