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Real Life Example Name: Ben Age: 9 years "I felt so embarrassed when I had to use my inhaler - like everyone was looking at me, like I was weird. Sometimes, I wouldn't use it. I wanted to, but I wouldn't. One boy in my class, Tom, called me a 'druggie.' Then this nurse came to the school. She did this class with us about asthma. She showed a video and things. I became a bit famous then 'cos I had a go and showed the others how to use it. It was an inhaler just like mine. It's OK now. I don't mind using it. "Loads of other kids have them", she said". Comments In this example we see how Ben is intimidated by the others in his class and how they viewed his asthma. This had a very negative effect on Ben, and put him in danger of having an asthma attack as he was reluctant to use his reliever when he needed it. This illustrates how very important it is that people in general are educated about asthma even if they do not suffer from the condition. At Ben's school, an outsider came in to talk to the children about asthma. This had a huge positive effect on how the other children treated Ben and on how he felt about his asthma. Many school nurses in the UK are now trained in asthma care, and asthma is incorporated into different areas of the school curriculum. With the increasing incidence of asthma, it is essential that awareness about the condition is raised, not only in schools but in society in general.

Topic "Society and Self" Updated 14th August 2003

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