SOCIETY & SELF- Acceptance of Asthma   Home | Asthma Assistant | Glossary | Disclaimer   Is it Asthma | Society & Self | Take Control | Treatment or Cure | Quality Living

Real Life Example Name: Nicholas Age: 6 years Carl, father of Nicholas: "I've got asthma, so has my wife. It's always been in our family. One of my uncles died from something to do with it. Nick's got it too. He's fine though. We don't give him the brown inhaler all the time as he's fine. He sleeps propped up in bed every night to help his breathing, but that's normal; and he doesn't run too fast or play football as this makes his asthma come on, but that's asthma isn't it?" Comments Nicholas is only 6 years old. Already he is learning from his parents that if you have asthma, you have to sleep propped up, suffer asthma symptoms, and not participate in sport and play. He is constantly at risk of a bad asthma attack, and long term lung problems as he has uncontrolled asthma. Here we have a prime example of how a parent's outdated views on asthma can affect their child. Carl and his wife, from their own experiences, seem to accept that all these things are 'normal' for someone with asthma. This attitude could have a profound effect on Nicholas' feelings and expectations about his asthma in the future, not to mention his long term health; he may accept far less than the best in terms of both health and quality of life. Many people do accept the huge impact that asthma has on their life when in fact, most people have asthma which can be well controlled with the correct knowledge, care and treatment.

Topic "Society and Self" Updated 14th August 2003

Asthma Assistant Self Management Web Site - www.asthmaassistant.com Copyright 1999-2003 © Polisa Health Limited