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Submitted by PatientsEngage on 28 July 2014

Dubai-resident Indu, 48, tells us how she managed her asthma and is now medication-free.

When were you diagnosed with asthma? 

I was first diagnosed when I was around 11-years of age. Then, for the second time around age 44. Until it resurfaced, I had nearly forgotten I had asthma as a kid. I understand that it is common for it to go away around age 12 and sometimes resurface after one crosses 40 years of age. 

Find out more on recurrence of childhood asthma 

What were the early symptoms? 

I had difficulty in breathing, heaviness in the chest and wheezing.

Is there a history of asthma in your family?

Well, a couple of cousins have the same or similar problems.

What is your present condition?

I am fine now after two years of treatment.

Please describe your experience of managing asthma. 

Here are some tips that work for me and have become a way of life.

1.     I avoid cold water at all times. In hot months, I drink water from an earthen pot. I never drink cold water. It does not mean I cannot tolerate cold liquids, I do have plenty of cool juices (not too cold, but cool enough), but since water consumption is always more, I restrict myself on that.

2.     I ensure that my head is well covered with either a scarf or a small shawl. Basically, the objective is to keep cold air from touching my head, even through my ears. At night when sleeping, I ensure that my head is fully covered.I stay away from the direct blast of the air-conditioner and even the fan as they may trigger an asthma attack. 

3.     I try to keep my feet warm always. In colder months, sleeping with socks on help a lot.

4.     While changing from hot/warm environment to cold/cool environment, I always hold my hand to my nose (or even a handkerchief if I remember to carry one).

5.     Also, when I have to step out of an AC car, I remember to switch off the AC a few minutes before reaching my destination so that there won’t be too much of a difference in the temperatures inside the car and outside – thus preventing the tickling sensation in my nose that can trigger off other asthma related problems.

Since you live in Dubai, has the sand and dust been a problem? 

Not at all. The occasional dust storms we experience here do trigger an attack. But, my asthma attacks were not limited to the odd dust storm. They were more frequently caused by sudden changes in environmental temperature, weather, season etc. Even if I got caught in a smokers’ area, it could start off an attack. My asthma has more to do with what irritates the nose.

What medications are you on?

None currently. But I did take Montair for a long time while I was undergoing treatment. This was the default medication for the first two years along with an inhaler. In the second year, the dosage was cut to 50% due to an improvement in my condition. In the third year, it was further reduced and within a few months I was able to discontinue medication altogether.

Having said that, please note that these were the default medications that I had to take daily. However, in times of an attack, even a mild one, I was advised additional medication, including use of a nebuliser.

Were there any side effects of the medicines?

My appetite grew and I gained a few kilos. But I lost it once the meds stopped. 

What were some of the challenges you faced and what is your advice to patients who face similar challenges?

Mostly as explained above. However, one constant irritant was that it was tough to talk continuously without intermittent coughing (that interfered with my excellent oratory skills J).

What kind of specialists do you consult and how often?

A pulmonologist in India proved to be my Florence Nightingale. Since I do not reside in India, I met him once every year, and after examining me and testing me on various measures, he gave me medication for the whole year.

What resources are available to you in your city to help you manage the condition?

I have needed oxygen a few times, and I used to rush to the local hospital for a nebuliser dose.

Have you tried complementary medicine or therapies like homeopathy or yoga?

Yoga is a way of life for me. Yes, that surely helped a lot.

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