Asthma: "Physical activity is beneficial for my asthma."

Hello fifilaboise, you agreed to testify for Carenity and we thank you. 

First of all, could you tell us more about yourself? 

Hello, my name is fifi and I am a 38 year old woman. I live in France with my husband and two children. I have suffered from asthma since I was a child. It is a chronic disease that affects my breathing. 

When I have an asthma attack, I feel like I have a tight band around my chest and it is very difficult to breathe. I have to use my inhaler several times a day to breathe normally. 

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, despite my illness. I also enjoy gardening and walking in nature. 

The hardest part of living with asthma is having to pay attention all the time. I have to make sure I always have my inhaler with me in case of an attack. I also have to watch what I eat and drink because there are things that can trigger an attack. 

You have asthma. At what age were you diagnosed? What were the first signs of the disease? 

I was diagnosed with asthma as a child, at the age of 10. The first signs of the disease were wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. My asthma is now well controlled, but I still have occasional flare-ups. 

The most difficult part of living with asthma is the constant worry of having an attack. Asthma can be life-threatening, so I always have to be ready for an attack. 

What are your current treatments and management? 

I am currently taking medication for my asthma, which helps me control the symptoms. I also use a rescue inhaler in case of an attack. I am happy with my current treatment and feel that it is well managed and that it helps me control my symptoms. However, living with asthma can be difficult at times. I need to be careful to avoid triggers that can cause an attack. 

How has asthma affected (or is affecting) your life? 

Asthma has had a big impact on my life. It can be very difficult to manage and control, so I have to be careful at all times. I always have to carry my rescue inhaler with me in case of an attack. I also avoid triggers that could cause an attack. Even if my asthma is well controlled, it can still interfere with my life. For example, I need to be careful about exercising too much or breathing cold air, as this can trigger an attack. In other situations, I have to take my medication ahead of time to make sure I don't have a seizure. 

Are you physically active? If so, which one(s)? How long have you been active? 

I am physically active, but I have to be careful not to overdo it. I like to walk and garden, but I have to take my medication first to make sure I don't have a seizure. I also swim from time to time to help keep my lungs healthy. 

I have been playing sports since I was a child. I was diagnosed with asthma when I was 10 years old, but that didn't stop me from playing sports. I continued to play sports in high school and college. Even though I have to be careful not to overdo it, I still like to be active and stay in shape. 

What benefits does sports have on your asthma? 

Overall, I find that physical activity is beneficial for my asthma. It helps me build up my endurance and lung capacity. It can also help me lose weight, which can reduce the severity of my symptoms. 

Being active can also help reduce stress and anxiety, which can also trigger asthma attacks. In addition, playing sports can also help me meet other people who understand what it's like to live with asthma. Playing sports has definitely had a positive impact on my life. 

Are you prone to asthma attacks or exercise-induced asthma after exercising? Do you adjust your exercise routine to fit your disease? 

I am prone to asthma attacks and exercise asthma, but I adapt my sport to my disease. I take my medication first to make sure I don't have an attack. I also warm up before playing soccer to help prevent an attack. If I start to get short of breath, I stop and rest. When I play sports, it is important for me to listen to my body and take breaks when necessary. This allows me to stay active without triggering an asthma attack.

What are some tips to consider when you have asthma and are involved in sports? 

I advise other asthmatics who want to be physically active to talk to their doctor first. He or she can help you develop a plan that is safe for you. It's also important to warm up before exercising and take breaks if necessary. If you start to feel out of breath, stop and rest. Most importantly, listen to your body and don't overdo it. With careful planning and consideration, you can safely exercise despite your asthma. 

What are your plans for the future? 

My plans for the future are to continue to manage my asthma and stay as active as possible. I also want to continue to raise awareness about asthma and help others living with the disease. I believe that with proper management, people with asthma can lead normal, healthy lives. 

Finally, what advice would you like to give to Carenity members who also have asthma?  

If you are newly diagnosed with asthma, I would advise you to talk to your doctor and develop a management plan for your condition. It is also important to be aware of your triggers and avoid them if possible. With proper management, you can live a normal, healthy life despite your diagnosis. 

If you have asthma, don't let it stop you from being active and living your life to the fullest. With careful planning and consideration, you can be safely active and live a normal, healthy life. 

Any final words? 

I want to encourage other asthmatics to stay positive and not let their diagnosis stop them from living their lives. I hope that my story can help others living with asthma to see that with proper management they can live a normal and healthy life. 

Many thanks to fifilaboise for her story!     

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Take care of yourself!