Asthma is a common chronic disorder of the airways that is complex and characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, airflow obstruction, bronchial hyper responsiveness, and an underlying inflammation.

As a child, I suffered this condition, barely realizing it's existence. Yes, I seemed to have more problems breathing during little league, and I did often have to grab my rescue inhaler. I had a few hospital visits and some stays, but I still never saw the reason to bring it up. A few other kids in my class had it, so as a child, I guess I just kind of figured everyone did. It wasn't until about 7th Grade, when my symptoms had come out of a year long dormancy (No dependency on Rescue inhaler, No worry to take medicine), that I even questioned the purpose of asthma in my life, or even what asthma was. I remember the day that my doctor explained this to me, very clearly. I had just spent a lovely night in the ER, after an asthma attack triggered by an allergic reaction to hay. An appointment was scheduled with my family physician for further case follow up, and Dr. Clark was explaining ways we could try to keep my symptoms under control. That following week we took a visit to the Children's Hospital in Columbus, for some x-rays, and learned of the Allergy and Asthma Center in Parkersburg, WV, where I was scheduled to attend regular appointments. It was all a little overwhelming for me, and it was the very first notable time in my entire life that I had ever feared death, in a fight I knew I had little control over, and my enemy? Asthma.

In the days since the summer of my 7th grade year, when my life seemed to be over, I rejoice in the fact that I have displayed much bravery in my fight against asthma. I have began to get used to my daily medicines, and routine breathing exercises, without which I'm not sure I would be able to keep attacks to a minimum.

I have also learned to be patient with those who have called me silly for fearing asthma, especially those who do not suffer the condition themselves. It is a sufficient fear, since asthma can lead to death, and you would never know the fear unless you have had an attack yourself. Imagine not being able to breathe and being reliant on a small inhaler, that if forgotten on a vaction, or an outting could mean the death of you... Then tell me I have nothing to fear in the face of asthma.

I understand that some people are different. My own boyfriend, who also has asthma, has gone many years without an attack, and rarely gets sick. He has about as many allergies as I do, and yet he reacts with sneezing and sniffles. My reactions to my allergies are usually a sinus infection, that nests in my chest, and sometimes leads to pnemonia, if not wonderful sneezing, and lovely hives, which we refer to as a skin born allery attack. My doctors have often told me that is largely due to the fact my parents smoke, and partly just because my lungs are weak, which makes them an easy target.

My one wish in life is that I would have never developed asthma, but since I cannot change that, I just wish to live symptom free, and not have to worry about death due to an attack, and I'm doing my best to achieve this.