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.
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 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.
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.