It’s hard to ‘welcome’ a day which marks a medical condition, isn’t it? World Asthma Day is an annual event which takes place on May 5. People who suffer from asthma, actually suffer from more than just asthma. Asthma is a medical condition which limits your daily lifestyle in several ways. On World Asthma Day, we take a look at some experiences which remain limited to people who suffer from asthma.
High Altitudes
If it’s high, it’s a big no. You love sandy beaches and jammed urban complexes but when it comes to visiting or working in high altitude areas, you simply lose it. The idea of being breathless in a mountainous region with everyone lauding the ‘fresh air’ infuriates and disgusts you.
Holding Your Breath Is Challenging
Under water swimming? No. Some crazy drinking game where you have to hold your breath? No. Water sports? No. Asthma patients are ready with a big no to all activities which involve holding your breath. It’s really difficult to hold a part of your breath with the other part already missing. A man’s got to breathe!
Can’t Run Too Fast
While an early morning jog or light run is totally understandable, an unplanned rush or sprint is not welcome in any way. Running too fast makes you feel as if your lungs are about to jump out of your body and breathlessness will eventually chase you down to death.
Blowing Candles Ain’t Fun
Gone are the days when blowing birthday candles used to excite you. It may be fruitful for the lens but after several lung function tests, blowing at anything doesn’t excite or amuse you. It brings back memories of complex medical charts and graphs.
Your Inhaler Is More Popular Than You
Oh he’s the guy with a pump! Well, she carries a pump and stuff you know? Oh yes I’ll be glad to give you a little brief about my inhaler which basically keeps me alive. Everyone wants to ask you about that small device you keep with you at all times. You aren’t surprised if people call you names like ‘Lil Wheezy’, or pass remarks like ‘Pump it up champ!’, it’s all the same to you.
Drug Addict or Just Daily Medicines?
You’ve taken so many medicines throughout your life that you can name the chemical compounds of most drugs in the market. You still consume a number of pills, be it for allergy or congestion, and it seems like the wonderland to druggies who envy you.
A Day Without Your Pump Is A Good Day
While most asthma patients take preventive inhalers, there are others who take inhalers if and when an attack or discomfort creeps in. But every once in a while, there comes a day when you don’t take your inhaler and yet the day seems alright. It’s one of those lovely days and you feel like an achiever.
No Advice Please, I Already Know
The moment they get to know that you have asthma, they’ll bombard you with unyielding advice and tips. What to eat, what not to eat, where to go, what places to avoid, and blah blah blah. You always end up saying, “Yeah, I know”. Honestly, I thank you for your concern but please back off, it’s irritating.
You Avoid Doing Things and Going Out
It’s not that you’re anti-social, but you are choosy about doing things and going out. You have to take your medicines, you have to puff on your inhaler, and you have to discuss before you actually say yes. Life is a little hard but you try your best and are able to overcome most challenges.
No Regrets
Despite all problems, challenges, and limitations, you have absolutely no regrets about being asthmatic. You fight the good fight and you emerge as a winner. You compete with everyone and you give it all you’ve got. More than anything else, you've come to realize that problems are a part and parcel of life.
