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How Do I Choose the Best Asthma Support Group?

Madeleine A.
Madeleine A.

Choosing the best asthma support group depends upon the age of the patient, the severity of symptoms, and if the support is aimed toward the family or the patient himself. Symptoms of asthma can range from mild to life threatening, and include wheezing, difficulty breathing, and coughing. Although there is no cure, symptoms can be managed very effectively, and treatment is similar for children and adults with asthma.

The pediatric patient can benefit from an asthma support group, because he can meet with other kids with asthma and not feel so isolated. Children with asthma often feel left out of activities such as playing sports and owning pets. When they bond with others in their situation, living with asthma generally feels less stressful and they may feel more hopeful. When the pediatric asthmatic is too young to benefit from a support group, his family may join the asthma support group to learn how to better manage his care.

An asthma inhaler.
An asthma inhaler.

Living with asthma can be an emotional experience for the adult with asthma. He not only has to juggle doctor's appointments, but also has to maintain his career and perhaps take care of a family. For these people, an asthma support group can offer options on how to manage stress and eliminate isolation. Adults with asthma often have a unique set of challenges, which include the fear of anticipating the next asthma attack and having to monitor their environment for potential triggers.

An illustration of the pathology of asthma.
An illustration of the pathology of asthma.

An asthma support group tailored for the adult asthmatic can be held in a hospital setting or even in a social environment such as a restaurant. Many asthmatic sufferers consider an asthma support group a vital component of their treatment plan. In addition, by using every available resource, including support groups, they are doing everything they can to positively influence their lives, in spite of their diagnosis. In addition to support groups, the physician can also be a great resource for asthma help.

Doctors may be able to recommend the best asthma support groups for patients.
Doctors may be able to recommend the best asthma support groups for patients.

Typically, an asthma support group brings asthmatics and their families together to share experiences and meet other people in their situation. There are, however, support groups that are medically focused. These support groups often invite medical speakers in to discuss the latest asthma treatment and trends, and how they can be integrated into the lives of the group members. Since each asthma patient has his own set of emotional and physical needs, choosing an asthma support group is a highly personal choice.

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    • An asthma inhaler.
      By: alctxphoto
      An asthma inhaler.
    • An illustration of the pathology of asthma.
      By: Alila
      An illustration of the pathology of asthma.
    • Doctors may be able to recommend the best asthma support groups for patients.
      By: Igor Mojzes
      Doctors may be able to recommend the best asthma support groups for patients.
    • Adults with asthma have unique, emotional lives.
      By: perfectmatch
      Adults with asthma have unique, emotional lives.
    • It is not uncommon for asthma sufferers to also fall victim to certain allergies.
      By: robyelo357
      It is not uncommon for asthma sufferers to also fall victim to certain allergies.
    • Asthma is a chronic lung disease that plagues people of all ages.
      By: vbaleha
      Asthma is a chronic lung disease that plagues people of all ages.