Asthma's Nothing to Wheeze At!
By Sherry Vacik
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About this ebook
When my kids were first diagnosed with asthma, I really wasn’t sure where to start with asthma management. While doctors were helpful, it was soon clear I had to become more knowledgeable about this disease and how to take care of my kids. I began a process of self-education to learn more about asthma, with no idea I'd be later diagnosed with asthma, too.
Self-education led me to realize that asthma management is the key to controlled asthma and living life to the fullest. Managing asthma involves avoidance of known asthma triggers, medication, daily peak flow measurements, staying physically fit and as healthy as possible.
It takes time and patience to find the right mix of medications and avoidance tactics to keep your asthma stable and controlled. That’s where Asthma’s Nothing to Wheeze At! can help.
Asthma’s Nothing to Wheeze At! offers tips and advice for those who are newly diagnosed. The book covers some basics to get you started on your own asthma management plan. The topics covered in this ebook provide you with a reference point on where and how to begin to reorganize your life with asthma.
Here’s a look at the chapters you’ll find in this book:
Chapter 1: Self-Education
Chapter 2: Life with Asthma
Chapter 3: Assistance with Medical Costs
Chapter 4: Buying Asthma Meds Online
Chapter 5: Seven Tips for Asthma Management
Chapter 6: Avoid Nocturnal Asthma
Chapter 7: Seven Tips to Quiet Asthma Coughs
Chapter 8: Create an Asthma-Friendly Home
Chapter 9: Control Cat Allergens
Chapter 10: Back to School Tips
Chapter 11: Traveling with Asthma
Chapter 12: Asthma-Free Holiday Tips
Chapter 13: Asthma-Safe Gift Ideas
Chapter 14: Free Asthma Management Apps
Asthma’s Nothing to Wheeze At! also contains an asthma resource section and contact information for major U.S. asthma organizations.
Each chapter is written in easy to understand English. Again, this book is targeted for newly diagnosed patients and their caregivers, who are just beginning to find the best way to manage their asthma.
This is an updated version of "Asthma Tips & Advice," with a bonus chapter on free apps to help manage your asthma.
Sherry Vacik
Sher Vacik is a freelance editor and writer. She's the asthma editor for the BellaOnline.com women's website. She also writes her blogs at Czech Off the Beaten Path and Shervacik.com. In addition to writing and editing, Sher offers proofreading and Internet research services. Please visit Shervacik.com to learn more about her work and interests. Feedback is always appreciated!
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Book preview
Asthma's Nothing to Wheeze At! - Sherry Vacik
Chapter 1
Self-Education
Newly diagnosed asthma patients may feel overwhelmed once the reality of their new lifestyle hits them. Patients are told to completely stay away from all asthma triggers in their lives, but are left to guess how to proceed with such a restrictive lifestyle.
Often, patients are devastated when they first realize many of their home furnishings may be harmful, that pets may need to find new homes, and even their diet will have to change in order to live a healthy life. Questions abound—what type of household furnishings are now safe, what are the exact names of their new asthma medications and what are the possible side effects, and where can they find safe products and ingredients, etc.
Not all health care providers offer information to fully educate their patients on the how-to’s
of adapting to the new challenges and changes that come with an asthma diagnosis. Patients who truly want to control their asthma symptoms, become healthier and completely adapt to their new lifestyle, must embark on a journey of self-education.
Self-education is an on-going process for patients, and leads to empowerment and self-confidence by gaining knowledge and understanding of their condition. With knowledge, patients can face life and safely take part in the world around them. Quality of life is greatly enhanced when patients are feeling good and more confident. Self-education is a very powerful tool for newly diagnosed patients who suffer from asthma.
Chapter 2:
Life After Asthma Diagnosis
Once you’ve been diagnosed, the next step is learning how to live with asthma in your everyday life. Asthma is a chronic lung disease that is currently incurable; however, the good news is there are steps you can take to keep your asthma under control. Taking control of your asthma will help you to feel more confident and enjoy better quality of life, rather than letting asthma control you and your life.
Chronic Illness and Your Life
Chronic illnesses, such as asthma and chronic pain, can take a toll on your life when you have to live with them day in and day out. These conditions can be life-altering, and may leave you feeling as if living your normal
life isn’t possible. Flare-ups come along and can feel like major setbacks, and may even lead to depression.
Depression is a common problem for patients who live with chronic illness. Another issue is that you may not look sick
to your family, friends or co-workers. They may doubt that you’re truly ill and suffering. Feelings of loneliness and isolation are also common.
These issues are widespread, and experienced by most patients who must deal with chronic illness in their lives. Learning how to live with a chronic condition is challenging, but with a positive mindset you can dramatically improve your quality of life.
Develop a Positive Mindset
Patients who have a positive mindset are the ones who have the best quality of life after an asthma diagnosis. It’s normal to experience a period of mourning after diagnosis. You may mourn for the loss of the life you had previous to being diagnosed.
Most patients experience the seven stages of grief:
1.Shock and Denial: shocked with the diagnosis, denying that the loss is real and/or that you have a chronic condition.
2.Pain and Guilt: the pain of realization and the guilt that you may have caused your chronic illness.
3.Anger and Bargaining: anger at having the illness and bargaining with fate
or God; that if this is removed from your life, you’ll live your life in a healthier way.
4.Depression: the true level of loss hits hard.
5.The Upward Turn: you start to adjust to life with your chronic illness
6.Reconstruction and Working Through: you become more functional and look for practical ways to cope with your new life.
7.Acceptance and Hope: you’ve learned to accept your chronic illness and have learned how to cope, which leads to hope and a better quality of life.
Each person deals with grief in their own way. Many will go through all seven stages, while others may go through fewer grieving stages. This list is not in any specific order; each person goes through these stages in a different order. If you find yourself feeling depressed after more than six weeks, you should consider seeking assistance from your doctor, counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist, in order to get through the grieving