Ciara's journey with Respiratory Care WA began after what seemed like a normal, healthy childhood. For the first seven years of her life, she was energetic, loved sports, and kept up with her three sisters. But suddenly, when she turned seven, Ciara started to get sick all the time, struggling to breathe, and unable to participate in the activities she once enjoyed.
It all started with what appeared to be an endless cycle of colds and coughs. Each time Ciara caught something, it hit her hard, often keeping her out of school and away from sports. Sports carnivals, which she had always loved, became a nightmare as she struggled to catch her breath. “It felt like an elephant was sitting on my chest,” Ciara would tell her mum.
Despite numerous visits to the GP and trying different medications, nothing seemed to work. Ciara was put on Ventolin, which provided some relief, but it wasn’t enough. Then, things took a turn for the worse when she contracted glandular fever, severely weakening her immune system. This was followed by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), which further complicated her condition.
Ciara’s health continued to decline, leading to multiple hospital visits. “She was on steroids all the time, gaining weight, and feeling lethargic,” her mum recalls. It wasn’t until a GP finally suggested that Ciara might have asthma that things began to change. However, even with an asthma diagnosis, Ciara’s condition remained difficult to manage.
Desperate for answers, Ciara’s family turned to Respiratory Care WA. After a thorough assessment, including Lung Function Testing, Ciara was referred to Dr. Steve Oo, a paediatric respiratory specialist. “For the first time, we felt heard,” her mum says. “There was finally a plan in place that made sense.”
With a new care plan from Respiratory Care WA, Ciara’s condition began to stabilise. “We followed the asthma plan to the letter, and for the first time in years, we didn’t have to change a thing.” Ciara’s symptoms improved dramatically, and the frequent hospital visits became a thing of the past.
Now in 2024, Ciara is thriving. She’s back to participating in sports like basketball, which she loves, and even took fourth place in a running race—something that seemed impossible just a short time ago. “I love that she can do it all now,” her mum says. “She’s got her life back, and we’re forever grateful.”
Ciara’s story is a testament to the power of persistence and the importance of specialised care. “To me, not going to the doctors all the time or the hospital is a win,” her mum reflects. “2024 has been kind to us—eight months in, and there’s been no sickness.”
Thanks to the care she received from Respiratory Care WA, Ciara is now healthy, strong, and able to enjoy her childhood to the fullest. “She gives everything a go now and doesn’t have to sit out anymore. It’s like we’ve got our Ciara back.”
Respiratory Care WA is committed to helping children like Ciara manage their asthma and other respiratory conditions so they can live their best lives. If you’re struggling with similar issues, don’t hesitate to reach out and find out how we can help.
