Kids who have asthma – just like adults – need to take their controller medicine and keep a quick-relief inhaler handy, exactly as prescribed, if they are to keep their asthma under control. But kids don’t always want to take the time or seem different by taking their asthma medicines. And that can lead to symptoms spiraling out of control, missed school days, and exclusion from play activities and sports.

Parents have an important role to play with kids who have asthma. It’s true that kids don’t always seem to want to listen to their parents, especially as they get into their teen years, when rebellion reigns and peers become all important. But a recent study out of Amsterdam, Holland, revealed that kids who did have solid parental guidance and support were more likely to take their asthma medicine.

Here are the highlights of the study:

• 232 kids with asthma, who were between ages 7 and 17 years were studied
• Kids and parents were from a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds
• Kids / parents were asked about their asthma knowledge and control
• Use of inhaled steroids was assessed by looking at prescription records

The findings revealed no differences among the various ethnic groups in terms of inhaled steroid use. However, kids whose parents believed in the benefits of inhaled steroids were 50% more likely to take their medicine on time and every time than kids whose parents were not as positive.

This is a small study, but it’s likely that these findings would extend across most child-parent populations. Remember, even when it doesn’t seem like it, parents DO have a significant impact on what kids will and won’t do. So, act as a strong role model and mentor when it comes to helping your child learn how to manage asthma successfully.

Learn More:

• Kids & Asthma – What Every Parent Needs to Know
• Tips for Talking to Your Child About Asthma
• Overcoming the Embarrassment of Asthma
• Advocate for an Asthma-Friendly School
• Asthma & Families

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