Asthma is a condition that affects the airways , the tubes that carry air in and out of the lungs. When an asthma sufferer is exposed to something that irritates their airways, such as dust, their airways become narrower, making it difficult to breathe. There are two main groups of medication used to treat asthma called Preventers and Relievers. The Preventers need to be taken on a regualar basis by all asthma sufferers to prevent breathlessness and reduce the risk of a full blown asthma attack. Although medication for treatment of asthma comes in a variety of forms, the inhaler is the most popular and widely used as it delivers treatment directly to the place where it is required.
Using this book
By reading this story with your child, he/she can see the positive experiece of a fellow asthma sufferer. It firstly reassures them that they are not the only child dealing with Asthma and that many other children just like them are going through the same things that they are. It is important that they understand the importance of taking their inhaler regularly and that by doing so, they can take part in the same activities as all of their classmates and friends. The story introduces the idea that taking an inhaler on a daily basis can lead to instant, positive results.
Useful links
www.asthmasociety.ie