ASTHMA CASE HISTORIES: RECOGNIZING TRIGGERS
A 26′year’old computer programmer, Anna has had asthma since child’ hood. She is fortunate that she is able to easily identify her triggers.I have had asthma since I was about five years old. I have been treated with the standard medication and, generally, my asthma is controlled. On average, 1 get a mild attack every two to three months. I am particularly susceptible to changes of temperature. One of my worst attacks happened when I left a very warm room and went outside into a cold winter’s night. Within seconds I was having a bad attack. Strong winds make me wheeze, particularly if the weather is cold. I always cover my nose and mouth with a scarf if I go out in cold weather.My other trigger is house dust. When my three-year-old bounces up and down on cushions I always start sneezing and then wheezing. If I am anywhere near raised dust, I react. We have no carpets in our house and very close pile rugs. We also keep our bedroom clutter free and I have all floor surfaces mopped twice a week.My doctor says all asthmatics are different, and he’s right. I can exercise as hard and long as I like and never wheeze, yet a friend of mine, who is a mild asthmatic, cannot even walk briskly without becoming puffed out. Asthma is a strange disease. I hate to say it, but I think my daughter is showing symptoms. I guess my husband will be the only one in our family without a Becotide next to his bed.*58\148\2*
