When we started our natural health journey, I didn't realize the affect it would have on Dan's Asthma Recovery. Quite honestly, I didn't know asthma recovery was a thing!
When I met Dan, I saw his as a strong, powerful, confident man. Everything you would think of when it comes to bravery and male prowess. I have to admit, I was surprised when I came to find out he had been pretty ill as a child!
I never really thought of Dan's asthma as a big deal. He had his inhalers/medications, and I just assumed, he was managing his disease just fine. Right?
WRONG!
The side effects of Dan's asthma medications put a tremendous strain on our relationship.
Here are some of the symptoms that he suffered:
1. Depression
This is the symptom that can spark the others. Depression is no joke and can cause all sorts of issues for both the person attempting to cope and the people who loves them. Depression is more than feeling bumbed out or down in the dumps. The following 7 symptoms, for us, were clues that dan was suffering from depression.
2. Anger
This one is ugly. I couldn't understand why Dan seemed to suddenly dislike me. It was as if I killed his beloved pet. Perhaps I am being dramatic. In all seriousness, it is painful to go back to the time when I believed he had no love for me. His anger was there all the time. I walked on eggshells not wanting to set him off. I want to be clear that Dan was still a good husband. He is a wonderful cook, takes care of the house and the laundry, while I work. He has always supported me and would die for me. But at this time in our marriage, I could not figure out why he seemed to become so upset so quickly, almost daily.
3. Irritability
The irritability was there... All. The. Time. If there was something that day, that didn't go exactly according to plan, that was the straw that broke the camel's back. Next would be the negative comments, complaints and grumbles, and from that point on, at least for the foreseeable future, there was this incredible tension. Life was no longer fun.
4. Feelings of impending doom
I can't say that Dan felt like he was going to die, or that the sky was falling... but this showed up more like, fear of loss of income, not being financially secure, and feelings of desperation. Any challenge that came our way was a big deal. Life felt overwhelming, for both of us. And he continued puffing on that inhaler day in and day out. As these symptoms mounted, his frequency of use increased.
5. Mood swings
When we would have happy moments, they almost always ended with the conversation taking a turn and the negativity arising. Dan is a surviver. As a child he insisted on not letting his diagnosis beat him. Looking back, I think the depression, feelings of doom and irritability, made him angry. He was frustrated with his unhappiness and couldn't figure a way out. For a strong and powerful being, like my husband, this had to be scary, frustrating and made him feel weak, not in control.
6. Intolerance
Dan had intolerant behavior. Things had to be a certain way or he would spiral into all the other feeling we discussed earlier. I began to notice friends and family would avoid Dan, and would only have light small talk with him.
7. Aggressive behavior
Another symptom of a symptom... aggression is a good one to recognize in anyone, child or adult. This can look like negativity, quick movements, yelling, and being always on the offense. It's interesting, when I would bring this behavior up to Dan's mom, she would just shrug it off, saying, "He was born grouchy". Hmmm, maybe it was the nebulizer treatment he received just hours after birth?
8. Temper Tantrums
These times would be when I wanted to put Dan in time out and give him a reset. Instead these would turn into arguments, that went on and on. It was exhausting. Nothing ever was resolved because this was an overload of frustration from all of the above.
9. Leg cramps
Oh the leg cramps! They would show up in the middle of the night and awaken Dan out of a sound sleep! Imagine the worst charley horse ever! He mostly got them in the hamstring or the calf. I would literally have to stand on the muscle to release the cramp. Ouch!
10. Cramps in the hands
As a professional musician, the cramps in the hand are not only painful, but impacted his career. These cramps weren't just painful, but would impede mobility and distort the shape of the hand, until the cramping subsided.
There are many other symptoms out there, and they can be different for everyone. The bottom line is recognizing that both behavioral changes and physical changes can be side effects of meds, is a HUGE step in starting your own recovery journey.
If you or someone you love is suffering, we want to help! We have a community of others, just like you, who are embracing natural ways to improve respiratory health. We share up-to-date resources, to help you navigate the sometimes tricky waters, in learning what foods, products and nutrionals are helpful and safe, and which are not.
We are sharing our experiences with you. Please be sure to consult your doctor.
The information in this video is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness.
xoxo Liz
Found this information helpful? Then you you will LOVE my 3 step formula to improve lung health! Check it out right here!
One of the first ways Dan and I started to make our home safer for his lung health, was to identify Asthma triggers. Did you think I would say IDENTIFY and REMOVE? Nope!
Identifying triggers is a whole job in itself. And for us it was truly the very first place to begin...
Here are some household items to look into:
- cleaning products
- perfumes and colognes
- shaving products
- air fresheners
- candles
- laundry products
- hair care products
- lotions
- soaps
- toys
I can't possibly be suggesting that you get rid of everything on this list, am I? Not exactly!
Let's break each of these down a bit more!
Let's start at the top with number one, cleaning products.
I remember when I was old enough to help out with household chores, my mom had me start in the bathroom. I think she figured it was a small space, and I would also learn good life lessons. One of those lessons was which cleaning products not to combine and to open the window!
My mom explained that these cleaners were toxic and I could become ill if I inhaled them for too long and... some could even be deadly if combined! Whoa! And you wanted ME to be in charge of such a dangerous task?
Okay, so back to cleaning products! Most of the conventional cleaners sold in our stores have warnings on the back. And most are extremely toxic to human beings, especially those with pulmonary issues! These cleaners have a strong chemical fragrance that lingers.
Remember, we are just identifying triggers. Go ahead and make a list all of the cleaners in your home with warnings on the labels.
Number two, perfumes and colognes:
Do you, or anyone in your home, wear perfume or cologne? If your answer is yes, add this to your asthma triggers list!
Number three, shaving products:
When I worked as a Pre-K assistant teacher, we often would use shaving cream as an art activity. Shaving creams most usually contain fragrance which is not good for anyone, especially an asthmatic.
I also recall both myself and my oldest daughter, have skin irritation after kissing/snuggling with my husband, Dan. It turns out it was his AFTERSHAVE! Imagine how that aftershave was also affecting his lung health!
Number four, air fresheners.
Air fresheners like plug-ins, sprays, and the ones you find in public restrooms are one of the worst offenders when it comes to respiratory health. Heck, when it comes to health in general! If you have these in your home, put these at the top of the list. You can even jump ahead and just toss these now! I promise everyone in your family will feel better!
Number five, candles.
I know, I know! The ambiance! They are just so pretty! And the smell so yummy!!!
You can do it friend, add these to your list.
I promise it will be okay.
Did you know burning a candle is equivalent to smoking a cigarette???
It's a bummer, but if I was able to do it, I know you can too!
Number six, laundry.
Dryer sheets are up there with candles and air fresheners. And toxic laundry soap (with the same labels as the cleaners) are right behind them.
The worst part about laundry products is they are in the fibers of our clothes. Our clothes are in our closest and dressers, outgassing as we sleep. Our bodies are at rest and we are breathing in those toxins. This was a big discovery for us.
Number seven, hair care.
If you use shampoo or conditioner, hair spray, or styling products, that contain FRAGRANCE, these should be added to the list too.
Number eight, lotions.
Same as 7, if your lotions contain any ingredient that says fragrance, it's not safe. The good news is there are planty of unscented options available!
Number nine, soaps.
Again, same as 7 and 8.
Number ten, toys.
This is one you may not encounter if you aren't a parent, But some kids toys have fragrance added. Remember the Strawberry Shortcake Doll from the 80's? She smelled like strawberries. Toxic, weird strawberries. But it's not just scented toys that are offenders, it's also toys that are plastic. Many outgas into your environment when you take them out of the packaging. A way to avoid this is open them up, outside and let them stay outside for a day or two.
Now that you know what types of items to look for, make a list and I will offer some suggestions in my next blog how to start your journey, eliminating these items little, by little.
The process of cleaning up the air in our home has made a huge difference in my husband, Dan's, respiratory health!
If you or someone you love is suffering, we want to help! We have a community of others, just like you, who are embracing natural ways to improve respiratory health. We share up-to-date resources, to help you navigate the sometimes tricky waters, in learning what foods, products and nutrionals are helpful and safe, and which are not.
We are sharing our experiences with you. Please be sure to consult your doctor.
The information in this video is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or illness.
xoxo Liz
Found this information helpful? Then you you will LOVE my 3 step formula to improve lung health! Check it out right here!
