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Why do I have this?
The kids tend to ask, “Why do I have this?” almost in a “What's wrong with me?” kind of way. I very clearly say tell them that it is not their fault, and that there is nothing wrong with them. I explain that asthma is something that we know tends to be hereditary and is something they inherit, just like they inherit their eye color and hair color. I also try and point out that although they don't have control over the hereditary part of asthma, there are things about it that they do have control over, like their environments, how they manage their asthma, how they take the medicines. All these things play roles in helping them understand why they have it or how sick they get with it. I really try to point out that there are some kids who do have significant asthma but with having all the education and knowledge about how to manage it they don't really have to be sick at all. They can be at a point where no one will ever really know that they have asthma because they seem fine.
Shari Nethersole, MD, Pediatrician, Department of Medicine
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Can I play? Can I be like other kids?
By and large, the children I work with just really want to know “Can I play?” and “Will I be able to be like other kids?”— they want to be reassured that they are no different than any other child. I tell children all the time that kids with asthma can be and do and play just like every other child. And they can be just like every other kid who leads a happy, healthy life— if they're willing to learn, and are supported by family and friends, in good asthma self-management. No question that it takes a little more effort and some resiliency. My job is to help them learn, support their goals and bolster their self-confidence in knowing that kids with asthma really can do anything they set their hearts and mind to.
Amy Burack, RN, MA, AE-C, Community Asthma Programs Manager, Children's Hospital Boston
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Confusion about controller medicines
There is a lot of confusion about the controller medications we use for asthma. Kids immediately feel the effect of quick release medications, but they don't feel the effect from the controller medications for several days. It's really hard for them to understand that the controller meds will help them in three to seven days when the quick-release medicine helps right away.
Elizabeth R. Woods, MD, MPH, Associate Chief, Division of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine, Director, Children's Hospital Boston Community Asthma Initiative
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