Asthma can significantly impact the capacity of some parents to play with their children according to a new report for Asthma Australia.
Live Love Play is a report based on responses from 1,060 people with poor asthma control. Amongst other things, it showed almost 30% of fathers chose to avoid playing with their children because of their own asthma, while 13% of mums avoided playtime with their children. Other key findings included:
- 16% of parents with asthma also found it difficult to carry their child for long
- 33% said they would go on more active outdoor holidays if they could control their symptoms better
- 18% of parents with asthma said they would run around and spend more time playing with children if their asthma was better, and
- 26% of parents find they can’t keep up with their children’s play.
Live Love Play explores how asthma affects Australian patients’ day-to-day activities at work, with their family and in their social and love life.
Of those surveyed, about 60% see their asthma as a physical health issue, with only a minority thinking that asthma affects other areas of their life. However, this report shows uncontrolled asthma has a significant impact.
“It is concerning that some parents avoid playing with their children because of their asthma symptoms,” said Mark Brooke, CEO of Asthma Australia.
The report also found that nearly one in five parents had families, including children, who were worried about their parent’s asthma.
“What these figures highlight is that asthma is not just a problem for the family member with the condition, but that the whole family could experience the consequences of asthma in the household.
“We believe that these results reflect the fact that many people believe that they are controlling their asthma, but in reality many people would benefit by asking their doctor if they could do better,” said Mr Brooke.
“With the right medication and treatment plan in place there is absolutely no reason why people with asthma can’t gain better control of their condition. Asthma should not be a barrier for avoiding play-time for parents with children,” said Dr Simon Bowler, Respiratory Physician at the Mater Adult Hospital in Brisbane.
Dr Bowler continued said that asthma should not limit parents’ play time with their children.
“Most importantly, parents should see their GP to make sure they are taking the right medication and develop an asthma treatment plan. This is the key to doing better with asthma.”
Around 10% (or 2,000,000) Australians have asthma.
5 ways to play with children and avoid asthma symptoms
1. See your GP and get an Asthma Action Plan
2. Take preventer regularly – if you are on the right medication at the right dose, you should be able to eliminate or significantly minimise symptoms
3. Get your inhaler technique checked to ensure you are getting maximum benefit from your medications
4. Play less strenuous physical games such as hide and seek, or do quiet activities such as beading, jewellery making, board and card games, cooking, gardening or repair projects
5. If parents can’t get involved in sport themselves, they can join their children’s sport committees.
Further information
See Asthma Australia's Live Love Play website
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