Doctor's tips for parents with asthmatic children

JAKARTA (JP): A doctor told parents of asthmatic children here Saturday that they could treat their children themselves with the aid of a newly produced asthma information and treatment kit.

F.X. Marseno told a seminar on Convenient Living for Asthmatic Patients that parents should consult with doctors to learn more about the uncurable disease, and increase their skills and confidence in caring for their children at home.

Asthma is a chronic chest complaint that makes it difficult for sufferers to breath in some conditions. The kits include an inhaler, a device to test the severity of the condition and information on managing asthma.

The one-day seminar at Graha Medika Hospital, which looked at asthma in children and adults, was attended by about 200 participants.

"Just think your of doctors as consultants only and you can be 'doctors', free of charge, for your asthmatic children," Marseno said.

He said parents should not panic when their children suffered a relapse at midnight, because everything they needed was in the kits.

"Asthma is incurable but the grief can be reduced and even eliminated with the most up-to-date equipment and better control of triggering factors, such as influenza, heavy exercise, respiratory viruses, allergens, smoke and cold.

He said corticosteroid was the latest asthma medicine for eliminating inflammation.

Others such as beta-2 agonist, theophylin and anti-cholinergic only prevent a relapse.

A variety of inhalers were introduced at the seminar. Their action and use was explained in detail.

Parents were told of one of the latest types of inhaler, which could be given to infants even when they were crying.

"Parents are the best people to treat their asthmatic children. Don't trust anybody, including your maids, to give your children medicines," he said.

Pradjnaparamita, another speaker, said parents should take asthmatic children to a hospital or clinic for a check up once every three months. But if the condition deteriorates they should have their child checked more often.

Participants appeared enthusiastic about the question and answer session, and used the opportunity to get as much information as possible. (03)