Experience Journal: Asthma

Asthma is the most common chronic medical condition in the U.S., affecting nearly 10 percent of the population. The rate can be even higher in children; some Boston public schools report rates as high as 16 percent among students. Children growing up with asthma often face difficulty breathing, and they may feel isolated from their peers. While this condition can be disruptive to a child’s life, it can be well controlled with proper medical care. The Asthma Experience Journal, created by the Boston Children’s Hospital Department of Psychiatry and the Allergy and Asthma Program, includes stories and personal experiences that represent the collective wisdom of children, young adults and families living with pediatric asthma. In this Journal, patients and families were interviewed about their experiences with asthma from dealing with medication to coping with physical and emotional challenges. Here are some of their stories in their own words. Patient perspectives on having asthma It’s OK to have asthma It’s OK to have asthma because I have asthma, too, and you can play with me. I can play with you in your house, or you can play with me in my house. I can show you how to take your medicines, and I’ll show you how I take my medicine. — Allison, 9 I can still play around and be silly Even though I have asthma I can still play around and be silly. When I take my medicine, it makes me feel better. It makes me feel like a regular kid. I am still a regular ki...
Source: Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: Diseases & Conditions asthma Experience Journal Source Type: news