Coping with a Long-Term Condition

Sarah has asthma. She is talking to her friend, Jake, about how she manages her condition…

Jake: Hi Sarah, I noticed that you weren’t at school today – is everything OK?

Sarah: I’m fine now, but I could hardly breathe this morning! My asthma was really bad

today. It’s because the pollen count is so high at the minute and pollen is one of my triggers.

So, I went to the doctors this morning.

Jake: Ah really, that sounds awful. How do you manage it every day?

Sarah: Well, I take lots of different types of medication regularly. Certain triggers cause

flare-ups like pollen, colds, and viruses… certain chemicals and animal fur – it’s difficult to

keep on top of it all!

Jake: It sounds like a nightmare… do you ever suffer from asthma attacks?

Sarah: Well, I had my first asthma attack when I was 8. I haven’t had one since my condition

was diagnosed, and now, I have an action plan to manage it. In hospital, they always say I

come with written instructions! All joking aside, it’s very helpful when I can hand over my

plan with details of my medication, doses, and times.

Jake: It sounds like you have a lot to manage! Does your condition stop you doing certain

things?

Sarah: It tends to mess up a lot of things! For example, we went on holiday last year to a

country cottage and I had to come home early because of the pollen count…Although, I try

my best to stay positive! It's just part of my routine now and being organised with my

medication means it doesn’t take over my life.

Jake: It’s great that you’re so optimistic about it! I’ll hopefully see you back at school

tomorrow

Sarah: Yes, I’ll see you tomorrow! Thanks for calling!