close encounter with asthma

In the last several weeks, Joaqui has been suffering from on and off coughs and colds. Despite our regular check-ups with his pediatrician and taking of medications, his symptoms really never completely went away. We even tried "hilot" (an ancient Filipino art of healing) but to no avail. I was never really worried because his lungs are always clear and I thought that he gets this from school. When he had the colds again, I decided to bring him to his pediatrician and this time, he heard some wheezing in his lungs. It was then that he ordered a chest x-ray and his suspicion for asthma has been confirmed. When we learned of this, I was really sad because it is a lifelong illness and battle with environmental triggers. His pediatrician though assured us that as long as we can control the triggers such as dust, animal dander, etc., his symptoms will be minimal except of course for the change in weather - that we can do nothing about. And to be living in a country with an ever changing weather is not good for asthma.

Joaqui is on nebulization therapy for 5 days and he has to take an anti-asthma medicine for 3 months, and then his doctor will check on him again. I'm proud of Joaqui for being able to tolerate the mask for his nebs. It is a good thing he is very imaginative and when he wears the mask and hears the sound of the nebulizer machine, he thinks of himself as an astronaut in space.

As a parent, it really breaks my heart to see him like this, but I know that God will heal him and keep him away from illness.

Fear not, for I am with you;
be not dismayed, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

—Isaiah 41:10