Living with asthma, or caring for someone who does, can be both lonely and frightening.
The constant coughing, sleepless nights and limitations on everyday activities can take a physical and emotional toll. When symptoms seem unpredictable and out of control, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and helpless.
UC Davis offers a free community event to help people with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) — and their caregivers and family members — better manage their lung health and cope with the challenges these conditions can bring. This year's UC Davis Asthma Network (UCAN) Bootcamp will be held at Aggie Square in Sacramento on Sept. 12.
Cynthia Robinson attended a bootcamp and knows all too well the challenges of being a caregiver. She cares for her mother, Irene Robinson, who lives with both asthma and COPD. Cynthia has seen the physical and emotional challenges that can come with managing chronic lung disease.
A few years ago, Irene's condition became so severe that she and her daughter found themselves in the emergency room nearly every month.
"They knew us," Cynthia recalled. "We were there so often that the staff recognized us as soon as we walked in."
Finding support
Hoping for answers and a better path forward Cynthia and Irene turned to the UC Davis Health Pulmonary Clinic on J Street in Midtown Sacramento for help.
From their first visit, Cynthia noticed a difference.
"The attention was different," she said. "It was really personalized and they were not dismissive of my mother because she was older."
The clinic's approach began with education. During Irene's first appointment, the care team took time to ensure she understood how to properly use her respiratory equipment and medications, including her inhaler.
"They teach you how to use the equipment properly," Cynthia said. "That's a big deal because people are not using their inhalers properly, so their lungs are not getting the medication. We were part of that. Things like that are important."
Just as important was the team's willingness to provide information and ongoing support.
"They are so open to your questions," Cynthia said. "They are available to that."
The biggest breakthrough came when Irene's providers recommended a biologic treatment, administered as an injection every two months. The results were life-changing.
After starting the biologic, Irene no longer needed her inhalers.
"They expire now," Cynthia said with a laugh. "It's like she doesn't even have asthma."
For Cynthia, the improvement in her mother's health brought more than relief. It brought reassurance that they were no longer navigating the challenges of respiratory illness alone.
"I owe them so much. It's really an emotional thing," she said. "You need a partner. I know that UC Davis Health has my back. I do have a partner. They have lightened my load and provided me support and help."
UCAN Bootcamp
To provide the same support to more patients and families, UC Davis Asthma Network (UCAN) created the UCAN Bootcamp.
The UCAN Bootcamp is made possible through a grant from Regeneron. It is led by UC Davis Health lung specialists and respiratory therapists. Through presentations and hands-on activities, participants learn how to use inhalers correctly, recognize worsening symptoms, understand treatment options and create personalized action plans. They can also ask questions, practice new skills and connect with others who are facing similar challenges.
Cynthia and Irene have attended the last two UCAN Bootcamps. They say the experience helped them better understand Irene's condition and feel more confident managing it.
"If you want to improve your quality of life or the life of your loved one, you need to go to the bootcamp," Cynthia said. "They are going to teach you the skills you need and have your back. Learn that you are not alone. You will leave feeling empowered."
