Dealing with social situations

[FearNot]

One of the most annoying things about asthma is the way it interferes in my social life. I am not an extrovert by any means. However that's what makes it hard. Being an introvert, I would rather not stand out in a crowd. Asthma can leave me no choice about that. Coughing, throat clearing, and dashing outside for air all make it hard to blend in.

I've learned to tell people about my asthma. I hate doing that, because I don't want to sound self involved, but I suspect that is in my own mind. People are usually sympathetic. Some actually look horrified and ready to cart me off to the hospital. I feel the need to comfort them.

Knowing that others know what's wrong makes me feel less self-conscious the next time I cough. I stand out less because they aren't wondering, and that makes the introverted wallflower in me smile.

[Minushabens Asthma Captain]

People really don't understand coughing or breathlessness very well. I find that when I'm out of breath, there's an assumption I'm just unfit, & when I cough that I'm spreading germs & should 'get it sorted'.

It does make it hard I think - I sometimes just can't be bothered telling my lungs' life story yet again, but end up feeling like I have to!

[FearNot in reply to Minushabens]

I hear you. I simply state that I have asthma and leave the details on a need-to-know basis.

[Kitten-kat23]

I agree. Social events make everything so difficult, as does travel. Perfumes, flowers, air freshener even polishes in furniture stores are some of the triggers I have.

[Beasley63 in reply to Kitten-kat23]

This is so true! I feel for you!

[FearNot in reply to Kitten-kat23]

It's hard to deal with it all, which is another reason to tell people what's wrong. They don't always understand how to help, but at least they know why you're acting 'strange.' 😀

[VinswaynW]

It has NEVER impeded on my social life at all and it should NEVER have a negative impact on yours FearNot. I've never attended a social function while ona full scale asthma attack and always have a rescue inhaler with me in case my asthma flares up. Get out there and enjoy life and stop being concerned over what OTHERS may think, feel or say about you if you have an episode. THEY are just being a bunch of hypocrites if they think anyways of you and others from a negative viewpoint that is.

[Hidden]

It’s had a tremendously negative effect on my social life

[FearNot in reply to Hidden]

I can relate. It's hard to even want to socialize when you're having symptoms. I'm doing my best to NOT become self-involved because of my illness, but sometimes it's hard to focus.

[Hidden]

Easy to just want to throw a pity party.