THE LANGUAGE OF A CHRONIC ILLNESS/DISABILITY

By William

     The absolute most important thing one can do when living with a chronic illness and/or disability, is to learn as much as possible about what you are battling.

     The more you know, the easier it should or could be to get a handle on those days when you feel like the constant battle with your chronic illness or disability is taking its toll on you and your life.

    This knowledge starts with the language or words that can be associated with having any type of chronic illness and/or disability. Knowing the language and keeping up to date with the current trends of your chronic illness and/or disability will and should help you survive.

    Knowing the language of my issues with COPD, severe Asthma, and a heart condition has helped me get through the battles over and over.

    ALWAYS REMEMBER – The more you know the better it will be in dealing with all that is involved with any chronic illness and/or disability.

TODAY WE TALK ABOUT ‘AIRWAY HYPERACTIVITY’–

     What is ‘Airway Hyperactivity’?

     When one looks the term up, they will find that ‘airway hyperactivity’ is said to be an increase in airway sensitivity maybe due to various etiological factors or the key feature of asthma characterized by an exaggerated constriction of the airways to irritants.

    Pretty lengthy description, but this writer also believes it affects those with any allergies and hay fever. In fact, should hay fever and sinus allergies be considered a chronic illness? A topic for another discussion, I am sure.

    Those irritants which someone with COPD and/or severe Asthma may find to be a major trigger/problem, may be nothing but normal to most folks. When you may have this condition of ‘airway hyperactivity’ you may develop a persistent cough.

    Symptoms commonly found with ‘airway hyperactivity’ include:

  • Wheezing
  • Coughing
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing
  • Excess mucus in the bronchial tubes
  • Swollen mucous membrane in the bronchial tubes
  • Hypersensitive bronchial tubes

    ‘Airway hyperactivity’ can be caused by a very wide range of diseases or chronic illnesses such as Anaphylaxis, Autoimmune Disorder, C1 Esterase Inhibitor Deficiency, Chronic Urticaria, Hereditary Angioedema, Leukemia, and Thyroid Autoimmunity.

    ‘Airway hyperactivity’ can also be caused by irritations from such items as:

  • Foods such as Chocolates, Food Additives, Fresh Berries, Milk, Peanuts, Preservatives, Shellfish, and Tomatoes.
  • Medicines such as ACE Inhibitors, Aspirin, Chemotherapy Agents, Drug Allergy, Opiates, Penicillin, Radiocontrast Agents, and Sulfonamides.
  • Other things such as Animal Dander, Antivenom Preparation, Cold Weather, a Dental Procedure, Emotional Stress, Exposure to Sunlight, Post Infection, Snake Bites, and a Tonsillectomy.

   While associated with allergies and asthma more than not, just because one has asthma does not necessarily mean they have allergies.

    Many times, physicians who will be using the term ‘airway hyperactivity’ in describing something which is happening with a patient, it does not mean they will schedule a pulmonary function test for the patient because ‘airway hyperactivity’ is normally considered a short-term issue with the lungs.

   While the best option for treatment or prevent ‘airway hyperactivity’ would be to avoid any of those irritants or triggers, something which for most is nearly impossible to do.

    Physicians may recommend the following:

  • A person with ‘airway hyperactivity’ use breathing and relaxation exercises, especially true of if the trigger has to do with excess exercise or some form of stress.
  • Treating the event as an infection or virus.
  • Use a rescue inhaler, especially good for those with exercise induced. Inhalers are critical for many with lung issues as an automatic ‘carry with at all times’ item.

    And that is our moment for the language of chronic illnesses and/or disabilities.

    QUESTION FOR OUR READERS:

  • Have you ever been told you had ‘airway hyperactivity’ for any particular symptom, and if so – what was the major irritant and the best way to deal with the situation?

     ALWAYS REMEMBER: Be willing – if you or anyone you know may have any symptoms of a health issue that lingers over and over while disrupting ones daily living and travels, then please ask questions and get those issues checked out by a dependable physician or medical specialist. Your Health and Life may depend on it.

    With that – we bid to all – smiles, prayers and blessings……William

NOTES TO REMEMBER = We only give descriptions and highlights of various aspects of having a chronic illness and/or disability and in no way do we ever want our information to be considered medical information and/or a type of treatment. ALWAYS consult your physician and/or medical specialist with any questions about what we share.

{Copyright@2022 by CrossDove Writers – no part of this may be printed, copied, or used without written permission from CrossDove Writers}

(William is a freelance writer who may be reached at wheezingaway@gmail.com)