Liam, my youngest, was born 5 weeks early and his lungs were not fully developed. He spent 2 weeks in the hospital until his lungs were strong enough to help him breath on his own. When he was about 2 years old, I noticed he had trouble catching his breath while playing outdoors with his brother. Plus, I also often noticed a wheezing noise when he was breathing. We went to the doctor after one particular bad attack that caused him trouble breathing. This is when we found out he has asthma, which means the sides of his lungs cause the airways to become narrowed and inflamed. At this point, I was so worried about what this would mean for him and for our family. How much would our lives change?
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| My very active little asthmatic! |
Not only have I learned that millions of Americans are diagnosed with asthma each year, but also that I don't have to fear for my child. The book goes right along with the DVDs and presents the information in and interesting way, which kept me watching and learning. Even my children watched parts of the DVDs and were excited to share their newly learned knowledge with their Papa.
Also, the set includes information on how we can control and manage asthma. We have breathing treatments for attacks, but there are many other ways we can help decrease the chance of attacks. We've learned that there are triggers for his attacks, so we've worked to avoid those triggers. For example, allergies are a huge trigger for Liam, so we have spent a bit more time indoors during these early spring months when pollen is in the air. This has really helped reduce his breathing issues associated with asthma!
Knowledge really is power. When I heard from the doctor for the first time that Liam was diagnosed with asthma, I almost cried, unsure of what this meant. Now that I've received Optimal Life: The Essentials of Asthma, I feel equipped and ready for whatever happens in the future. Not only do I know more about what to expect, but ways I can help my son. I feel reassured that he can lead a full, happy and healthy life. Asthma does not (and has not) slowed him down one bit! I honestly couldn't ask for anything more!
A tip I offer to someone else who is newly diagnosed is to learn as much as you can about asthma. For the first few months, I was very curious about asthma and had many questions, so when I thought of something to ask the doctor, I would write it down. That way I wouldn't forget and could take the list with me during our check-up visits. Never be afraid to ask a question because the doctor is there to help!
Do you have asthma?
If so, what is your advice or tip you would like to share with others who are newly diagnosed?
Disclosure: This is a sponsored compensated post, though all opinions included are 100% my own.
