Asthma isn't always that simple

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Asthma isn't always that simple By Angela Haupt Health & Wellness Editor I’ve lived with asthma my entire life—and starting to wheeze, or struggling to catch a breath, can feel terrifying. Fortunately, medications like an inhaler and taking steps to avoid my triggers (cold weather, indoor allergens like dust) help me keep symptoms under control. About 9% of people with asthma, however, have a severe form—and they tend to experience more symptoms, including increased limits on activity, greater prevalence of heart disease, and lower lung function. They also find it much harder to control the disease. In a new piece for TIME, journalist Elizabeth Millard asked a handful of people with severe asthma what they wished their doctors knew. These insights could help pave a path to better care. Among the takeaways that resonated with me the most: Symptoms can vary wildly. Severe asthma doesn’t always present with classic symptoms, like wheezing. That can lead to a higher likelihood of misdiagnoses or under-treatment. Everyday tasks can be a struggle. One woman told Elizabeth that carrying a load of laundry upstairs, going grocery shopping, or even tying her shoes sometimes feel impossible. Ideally, doctors should help patients devise plans to carry out these everyday tasks without triggering an attack. Research suggests a connection between asthma and post-traumatic stress disorder. Some patients benefit from working with medical trauma specialists, who can help them manage the mental-health challenges that so often accompany the condition. READ MORE

What else to read The New Nuclear Concern for Pacific Islands By Amy Gunia Japan's plan to dump Fukushima wastewater into the ocean is creating regional apprehensions. Read More » Why Online Shopping Makes You So Happy By Angela Haupt Experts explain the psychology behind online shopping—and tips to show restraint Read More » Crews Release Toxic Chemicals From Derailed Tankers in Ohio By Patrick Orsagos and John Seewer / AP Residents near the Ohio-Pennsylvania state line were warned to leave immediately or face the possibility of death. Read More » How to Be Ambitious Without Sacrificing Your Mental Health By Jamie Ducharme The key is to harness ambition for a goal that serves your well-being. Read More » Why Ultra-Processed Foods Are So Bad for You By Tara Law Recent research finds that highly processed food may pose health risks. Read More »

ONE LAST STORY High indoor-air-quality anxiety Like a lot of people concerned about COVID-19, I bought a portable CO2 monitor during the pandemic to assess the ventilation of indoor spaces. So did Atlantic writer Katherine J. Wu, whose experience with the tool (like mine) was more anxiety-inducing than helpful. When she discovered high CO2 levels in her apartment, she had little recourse but to open a window—which isn't exactly compatible with staying warm in the winter. Wu’s mostly fruitless quest to improve her air quality is a good reminder of the U.S.'s failure to prioritize clean indoor air. Read More »

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