Asthma: the long-term view
Either you, or your child, has been diagnosed with asthma and, as with any chronic medical condition, it may be a bit overwhelming. For many, all they can see ahead is a lifetime on medication and not being able take part in many activities.
But even with asthma, you and your doctor can aim to control your symptoms so that you can play and take part in many activities, including sports, like others do. The keys to living successfully with asthma are: working with your doctor to draw up an asthma treatment and management plan, regularly reviewing this plan with your doctor, and ensuring that you control your asthma — it doesn’t control you.
Some children who develop asthma will improve during adolescence, but asthma may recur later in life. For many, though, their asthma will always need treatment and management.
Up to 80 per cent of children with asthma develop the symptoms before the age of 5. Studies have also found that children living in a household where someone smokes have a much higher incidence of asthma and respiratory infections.
Asthma and ageing
Some adults may find themselves diagnosed with asthma later in life; others have already been living with asthma for most of their lives. The normal effects of ageing, such as changes in lung function and structure, can make asthma harder to diagnose and treat in the elderly. Also, some medical conditions that are common in the elderly, such as heart disease, emphysema and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), make the diagnosis of asthma more difficult in older people.
A number of other problems may arise as a natural consequence of ageing, such as an increased susceptibility to side effects from asthma medications. You will need to discuss these aspects with your doctor.
Asthma medications must be taken as worked out in your asthma management plan. Many people are afraid that they will become dependent on their medicines or are concerned that if they take their medicine all the time, it won’t work. If you have any concerns about your asthma medication, talk to your doctor.
The long-term view
Asthma is a long-term condition in which symptoms can vary between people and over time — some people may have long periods without symptoms, although the tendency to experience asthma will still remain.
There are many asthma support groups in Australia that can give you considerable information and support. Find out as much as you can about this common condition and, above all, discuss your concerns and options with your doctor.
With the right asthma treatment and management, and with regular review of your asthma by your doctor, you can live life well. Although extensive research has been done, there is currently no cure for asthma, but there is a better understanding of it. This has enabled people with asthma to gain greater support and advice so that they can go about on a day-to-day basis quite normally and not let asthma affect the quality of their life.
Last Reviewed: 03 November 2003
Sponsored links
