Living With Asthma - Alexis' Story

I have severe Asthma and environmental allergies. I was about 18 when I was diagnosed and I have been living with asthma for about ten years now. The first time I went to the Emergency Room for an Asthma attack, I did not know what to expect. Now, I have learned to deal with it and know when it is acting up, and sometimes the cause.

Medication is the most important element of living and coping with my asthma. I have a portable breathing machine as well as medication I take every day twice a day. I have to have an air purifier in my bedroom, wear a medic alert bracelet, and I have to carry an epi pen. An epi pen is a shot of adrenalin that opens my lungs in case of emergency, while waiting for paramedics or on the way to the hospital. With severe allergies and asthma, I have to take additional precautions. I have allergy protective bedding to protect from dust mites that might trigger an attack, a mattress cover, pillow encasing, 400 thread count sheets and duvet cover. I do everything I can to protect myself.

I have to plan according to the weather and if it is windy, or extreme changes in weather, I have to prepare. I have to make sure I have my portable breathing machine with me. It's always with me, in the car or in my purse. Stress can sometimes bring on an episode. I just have to take more health precautions than the average person. My family is aware of my asthma and they are more cautious. Now they make sure I have all of my medicine when we go out of town and they also have to adapt to the fact that sometimes I cannot walk tons or I get out of breath.

Being a very conscientious person has helped me deal with my allergies and asthma. Having asthma has taught me that my family and friends are concerned about my well-being. They make sure I am feeling well even when my asthma is not acting up. For people who are just learning to live with asthma, I would say they should make sure they are on the right medications, have a clean home and bedroom and not to over exert themselves. They also need to find out what they can do to prevent an attack. Sometimes my asthma attacks just come on and there is no known cause. That is when you have to relax, know your body and how to react safely and quickly.

The most dangerous experience I had with my asthma was when I drove myself to the ER while I was having an attack and did not call an ambulance. I was on the 405 Freeway and figured with all of the traffic I could get there quicker by driving. I was wrong. I should have dialed 911. When I am having a severe asthma attack, my eyes get heavy, I don't think clearly and I sound like a bird when I wheeze. Often, those of us who suffer from asthma do not think clearly when we are having an attack and that can be dangerous.

I decided to take part in the Living With Asthma Project because I wanted to let others with Asthma know it's not as scary as you might think. Once your asthma is under control and monitored by your doctor, you just need to be cautious but not paranoid. BREATHE LA can help by providing information and a support system to those who need more assistance or knowledge on dealing with their asthma. A good day with my asthma is Breathing Easy and not feeling like my lungs are being constricted. A bad day is awful. After using my breathing machine I end up losing some of my voice from all of the medications.

What matters most to me in relation to my asthma is preventing an attack and having my medication on hand when I need it. One thing I wish for most of all are healthy lungs that function properly. BREATHE LA can help by doing what it takes to create a clean air future in LA.