Asthma patients often deal with a wide range of lifestyle issues and adjustments in coping with their disease. As an adjunct to the American Lung Association Asthma Survey, Yankelovich Partners conducted four focus groups to elicit information about these issues. The focus groups were conducted in Chicago and Denver with more than 30 adult asthma patients and parents of children with asthma. Following is an overview of the findings: top topEducation Parents and adult patients agreed that asthma sota asthma sota the doctor is the most valuable source of education about asthma. Other sources include: personal experience, articles in magazines and newspapers, advertisements, classes or education programs offered by hospitals, pharmacists, asthma clubs for children, and mailings from pharmaceutical companies. Patients and parents strongly expressed a desire to understand what causes asthma in the first place, as well as what can trigger an attack. Education regarding the function and appropriate use of medications was also cited. Other primary coughing asthma asthma sota concerns were: emotions and asthma, new medications, and long term prognoses. Parents wanted to learn better ways of communicating with their asthmatic children about the disease and the limiting effects it may have on their lifestyles. top topThe Diagnosis Most patients and parents had mixed feelings about their diagnosis. Many were relieved to finally know the source of their symptoms, or were relieved the diagnosis wasn't worse. Some asked: "Why me, or my child? Or: "What did I benefits of exercise for asthma asthma sota do to cause this?" Others expressed a feeling of fear and helplessness, or anger at the realization that some of their daily activities might be restricted. Parents often worried about how asthma might affect the way their children interacted with others. top topControl The overwhelming majority of participants believed their asthma is under control. However, most interpreted "control" to mean treating attacks without going to a doctor or the hospital. Others said control means "not having attacks unless asthma diagnosis asthma sota you bring them on
