Growing up in the late 60's as an asthmatic was difficult at best. Medication to control and prevent asthma attacks were not very good. I can remember coughing until my stomach muscles hurt and also the disappointment of not being able to do what other kids could do. I can remember living in constant fear that I would have an asthma attack.
As I got into high school, inhaled corticosteroids was the game-changer for me. This class of medications helped to keep my asthma under control, which allowed me to win the high school state championship in the 400 meters - arguably the hardest race in track and field! Other advances in medicine and the fact that we are more conscious about the quality of the air we are breathing have helped kids like me survive and thrive.
