5.4 million people in the UK are currently receiving treatment for asthma: 1.1 million children (1 in 11) and 4.3 million adults (1 in 12). Every 10 seconds someone is having a potentially life-threatening asthma attack. On average, 3 people die from an asthma attack every day in the UK.
Throughout my life I have suffered with asthma, I would always have to make sure I had taken the correct inhalers to keep me healthy. I am classified as an acute asthmatic which means I go downhill very fast and dangerously. I have been admitted to hospital with the condition many times, but I think it is such a dangerous illness and needs more awareness.
People with asthma suffer in different ways, some only get it while doing physical exercise and use their inhaler to control it. My asthma is not due to physical exercise, mine happens when I am ill or if the weather’s temperature suddenly changes. It is my responsibility to take my inhalers to stop an attack coming on, however when you are feeling well you forget about this hidden illness.
I got admitted to hospital in October 2019 due to coming down with a virus which then triggered my asthma. It is hard to describe to someone, but it feels like your chest is tightening and a constant struggle for breath, it’s very scary and takes time to get under control when an attack has happened.
I got the letter from the doctors saying I am at high risk due to COVID-19, which has constantly worried me more than any other virus. If a common virus can admit me to hospital for a week then what could coronavirus do. I also don’t know who I can trust during this pandemic.
I am writing this article not to scare people but to remind everyone with asthma to keep taking their preventative inhalers even when you are well as they are literally life savers. I am trying to make sure I do this myself, as it is easily forgotten. This could stop any further attacks, preventing me taking up NHS time when they could be helping others.
