I don’t remember a life without asthma. Diagnosed at an early age, I’ve been living with it for over 20 years now. My main triggers are dust mites, pollen, and mould. These aren’t things I can completely avoid. They’re everywhere. And that’s what makes asthma so difficult, it’s not just a disease; it’s a way of life that you constantly have to navigate.
Asthma and a Childhood Full of Absences
Growing up, asthma dictated a lot of my childhood. While my friends enjoyed the changing seasons, for me, they often meant days of wheezing, coughing, and struggling to breathe. Certain months every year, I would miss school and college due to severe attacks. It wasn’t just about the physical struggle but also the moments I missed, celebrations, festivals, and simple outdoor fun.
One of my earliest memories of asthma isn’t something I remember firsthand, but there’s a videotape of my aunt’s birthday where everyone is celebrating, and I’m sitting on my mother’s lap, gasping for breath. I was just four years old. That’s the reality of asthma, it doesn’t wait for a convenient time.
The Loneliness of Asthma
Asthma isn’t just a health condition; it’s isolating. I’ve spent countless Diwalis indoors because of the pollution. New Year’s celebrations? While others were out partying, I was often inside, playing PlayStation, avoiding the cold air that could trigger an attack. It’s tough when you want to be a part of the world but your own body holds you back.
Even with a strong support system—my parents, brother, wife, cousins, and friends—there are moments of frustration. People don’t always understand why I avoid certain places, why I struggle to talk on the phone after an attack, or why I have to cancel plans last minute. Asthma isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a condition that affects every aspect of life.
The Trigger That Started Asthma Friend
In January 2025, I started immunotherapy in the hopes of improving my condition. But my very first dose triggered one of the worst asthma attacks I’ve had in years. I felt completely helpless. That night, I searched online, trying to find support—people who understood what I was going through. But there was nothing.
There are asthma support groups in Western countries but in India? Almost nothing. There are a few Reddit threads, mostly filled with foreigners. That’s when I realized something had to change.
Building a Community for Asthma Warriors
That’s how Asthma Friend was born. The goal is simple:
✅ A community where people with asthma can talk to each other
✅ Shared resources to help manage asthma better
✅ Expert insights from doctors and specialists
✅ Awareness initiatives to change the way people perceive asthma in India
In the future, we want to partner with NGOs to help those who can’t afford asthma treatment. Because managing asthma shouldn’t be a privilege, it should be a basic right.
You Are Not Alone
If you have asthma, know this: You are not alone. I’ve lived through it. I know the struggles, the frustration, and the helplessness. But together, we can build a space where no one has to face it alone.
If you or someone you know has asthma, join Asthma Friend and let’s make a difference together.
Let’s talk. Let’s support. Let’s breathe better.