Football fan Adam scoring goals while asthma is under control
Asthma has always been difficult for football mad Adam Mousa, but thanks to pioneering personalised treatment at Birmingham Children’s Hospital his condition is under control so he can get onto the pitch.
The Manchester United fan, aged 10, Tyseley, Birmingham, has severe asthma and had always been on high-dose asthma treatments. Severe asthma affects around 5% of children with asthma.
But medication Dupilumab, a biologic treatment that targets the type of inflammation driving some forms of severe asthma, has transformed his quality of life.
The schoolboy, who was diagnosed aged three, said: “I would have breathlessness, tightness of my chest and I’d be wheezy, even if I wasn’t doing anything. It was scary and it got worse before we got to the hospital. I’d end up going there all the time to get treatment.
“The doctors and nurses really helped me. They monitored my lungs, reviewed my inhaler and educated me about asthma and how to stay safe from it. My nurse Laura Morris and Dr Prasad Nagakumar were very nice to me.”
Now, instead of the frequent visits he previously required, Adam’s condition is managed with an injection every four weeks. He continues his regular inhaled therapy alongside this to maintain good asthma control.
Adam’s mum, Eshfaq Ali said: “When he was younger, he couldn’t take part in many things. It would take a lot of planning before we went any where and he was limited to anything like walking or swimming. Since he has started his biologic treatment, it is a lot better, and he can do so much more.
“The team at the hospital have been absolutely brilliant with him. He has had asthma from a very young age, but it changed when we got there. They’ve played a really big part in helping Adam, but they’ve also taught me a lot about managing his asthma.”
Eshfaq now administers Adam’s biologic injection at home, with virtual support from the asthma nursing team, thereby reducing the need for hospital visits.
Adam’s nurse, Laura said: “It has been wonderful to support Adam and his family with the asthma care. The multidisciplinary team at BCH assess and manage children like Adam with severe asthma. Adam understands how important his treatment is and he has faced each step of his treatment journey with growing confidence.
“His determination and resilience have helped to make a real difference, and he approaches his care with a positive mindset. His commitment has not only helped him manage his treatment but also had a meaningful impact on his daily life, allowing him to feel healthier and more in control.
“Early referral to our multidisciplinary service facilitates the delivery of personalised treatment strategies, with the aim of reducing asthma attacks and improving quality of life in children with severe asthma.”
It has made a huge different to Adam’s life, and Eshfaq has some timely advice for parents in the same situation.
Eshfaq said: “He wasn’t able to play football before but now he can, with regular breaks.
“It is really important for parents to take asthma really seriously, follow the treatment plans and use the prescribed medication. Asthma doesn’t have to limit life.
“Don’t be afraid to go out there and ask ‘is this normal?’ Sometimes it looks like cold symptoms but it can actually be triggers for asthma. I’ve spoken to many parents who were scared about new medication, but I always advise for them to try as it does help.”
And the youngster had this message for everyone: “Asthma is a serious condition, even though it’s not always visible. Awareness, understanding, and proper management can save lives. I encourage everyone to learn the signs of worsening asthma and to support those living with it.
“I want to say thank you so much to Laura and Dr Nagakumar, I really appreciate it.”