Intended for healthcare professionals

Practice What Your Patient is Thinking

Can we discuss my life goals as well?

BMJ 2019; 367 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.l6018 (Published 13 November 2019) Cite this as: BMJ 2019;367:l6018
  1. Eleanor Chatburn

Eleanor Chatburn explains how an annual review for asthma was the starting point for achieving her exercise goals

This year I felt positive when I arranged the annual review for my mild asthma. The reviews are helpful and having my lung function tested and my drugs checked is reassuring. The appointments make me feel that someone is on my side, helping me to manage breathing problems in the best possible way.

At the last review though something was on my mind. I had been thinking about increasing my fitness levels but asthma was getting in the way.

A complicated relationship

Exercise is the main trigger for my asthma. I have vivid memories of embarrassing incidents, such as running to catch a plane and having an asthma attack that almost delayed the flight or having an …

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