"Asthma will not be a barrier" | Kalnish Schubert, 26

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I am Kalnish Schubert, a full-time dancer diagnosed with asthma at the age of 9. I had my first attack after having an upper respiratory tract infection. Fortunately, despite going to the Emergency Department a few times for my asthma attacks, I have never had to be hospitalised.

My triggers are infections, cold weather and animal fur which I typically try to avoid. As a full-time dancer, it is crucial for me to be healthy to perform and teach my students well. Besides, my friends and family members are all well informed about my condition and can help me in case of an attack.

Some of the asthma misconceptions that I have heard include asthma is a childhood disease, taking inhaled medicines is harmful to health, and that I had to avoid dancing or any form of exercise to avoid an asthma attack. The thought of giving up dance was devastating to me and that was when I decided to follow the doctor's instructions to take my medications regularly.

The challenges I faced growing up with asthma is that I had to avoid many types of food such as fruits, desserts, and iced drinks despite them not being triggers to my asthma. This is because my parents were worried that I would get an attack. As I grew up and read more about asthma, I eventually explained to them that I can eat all my favourite food and drinks moderately and that these were not my asthma triggers, although it may be the case for others.

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I believe awareness regarding this disease is important so that patients with asthma may lead a normal life. Many can avoid severe attacks by sticking to their asthma action plan and understanding what their triggers are and how to avoid them.

Real Life Asthma Stories Booklet

This asthma life story is part of a booklet of stories created for community engagement in Malaysia. Read all the stories in the booklet produced by the University of Malaya and Universiti Putra Malaysia, RESPIRE partner organisations in Malaysia.