By the age of four, Oliver had already been admitted to hospital several times with breathing difficulties. He was diagnosed with viral-induced wheeze, and we were told asthma would likely become part of his future.
— Melanie (mum to Oliver)
As parents, it was a worrying time. Oliver had already been diagnosed with several severe food allergies by the age of two, so the possibility of asthma added another layer of uncertainty. Learning that asthma could increase his risk of anaphylaxis was especially confronting.
As he grew older, managing asthma, allergies and allergic rhinitis became part of our daily routine. Pollens, grasses, exercise, changes in temperature and winter viruses could all trigger his asthma.
Despite this, Oliver has always approached life with determination. He understood from a young age how important it was to take care of his health and has always been committed to managing his asthma as best he could.
Last year was particularly challenging. Ongoing allergic rhinitis caused constant congestion, which often led to chest infections. Those infections would then worsen his asthma, creating a cycle that felt exhausting for all of us.
I remember feeling overwhelmed and concerned about where things were heading. After speaking with a colleague, we sought a referral to Respiratory Care WA and met Dr Stephen Oo.
From our very first appointment, we felt supported.
The team took the time to understand Oliver, not just his asthma, but his busy life, his interests and his goals. The respiratory nurses were incredibly reassuring and always available with practical advice when we needed it. Having that support eased so much of the stress and uncertainty I had been carrying.
”One of the greatest gifts specialist care has given us is confidence.”
Today, Oliver understands his asthma, knows his triggers and takes responsibility for managing his medications.
Watching him develop that independence has allowed me to step back and give him greater control over his own health.
We still have challenges from time to time, but we now feel optimistic about the future. Having a clear plan and the right support has made all the difference.
The more knowledgeable you and your child become, the better their symptoms can be controlled.
Oliver’s story
I’m an active student who loves playing volleyball and going to the gym.
Depending on the season I will also occasionally do swimming or athletics for school and have managed to make interschool representation for both the past few years. I was even able to make a spot on two state volleyball teams last year, giving me the awesome opportunity to represent WA in Adelaide and at home.
For a while, though, asthma made some things harder than they should have been. Running longer distances often left me tight in the chest, and cold mornings at training could trigger symptoms.
There were times when I felt limited by what my lungs would let me do.
Coming to Respiratory Care WA helped me understand my asthma much better. The team explained things clearly and helped me find treatment options that worked better for me and my lifestyle.
As I’ve learned more about managing my asthma, my confidence has grown. I understand my triggers, recognise early symptoms and know what steps to take when I need to.
”The best part is that asthma no longer feels like something that controls my life.”
I’m still focused on my studies, sport and music, and I’m excited about what’s ahead. This year, I’m aiming to earn a place in my school’s athletics team for the 400m sprint.
If I could share one thing with another young person living with asthma, it would be this: don’t let it stop you from doing what you want. The way you are handling things now may not be perfectly suited for you, but by seeing specialists at Respiratory Care WA, you can find what works for you.
