Explaining your Asthma Condition to Others

It is vitally important that you explain your asthma to the people in your life and tell them what to expect in the event of an asthmatic episode.

Even though you know not to panic during an attack, other people don’t and it is amazing how many people panic when they experience their first proper attack, even when it isn’t them with asthma! 

When explaining what may happen during an attack, you should try not to worry your listeners, especially if they are youngsters. Try to make them aware that most asthmatic episodes are quite mild and your normal inhaler medication will quickly reverse the effects. However, you should also warn them that occasionally your attacks may be worse, for example if you are already suffering with a cold or some kind of allergic reaction. In these cases you may need the assistance of a nebulizer or even a doctor’s visit. People who are around you often, such as your close family and friends, need to be made aware of this.

Make sure the people you tell know where to find your medication and how to get in touch with the doctor and the hospital, just in case the worst case scenario does occur. While doing this it is important to keep pointing out that the best way to help you should you suffer an attack is to not panic and to try to keep other people in the vicinity calm as well.

In the case of strangers, you should definitely think about wearing a medical bracelet or neck chain that can be seen in plain view by passers-by. These special kinds of bracelets and neck chains contain information about your condition and what to do to help you in the case of an attack.

Often, asthmatics feel that they don’t require any help and that they can control an attack by themselves. Even if this is the case it is still a good feeling to have someone close-by that understands what is happening and what help you may need if things get worse. It may be a good idea to inform a neighbour or a friend that lives in the neighbourhood of your condition so that you know, at the back of your mind, that there is always someone you can call in the event of an emergency.

Newly diagnosed asthmatics often think that they can cope with their condition without anyone else knowing about it, and some even feel embarrassed using their inhaler in front of others. While this approach works for a small number, the majority of sufferers quickly find out that having emotional support and knowing that there is someone available who knows how to help really eases their worry and gives them confidence to cope better with their condition. Even if you don’t want to tell all of your friends and relatives you should seriously consider telling someone, as it may be that one day you really need their help.