Shun stigma, inhalers effective therapy to treat kids with asthma: Doctor

FOR 8-year-old Gowtham of Marsingpet, even a mild cough can make it a breathless night. Though doctors have prescribed him an inhaler, his mother is reluctant to give it, fearing it will form a habit and make him dependent for life.

- PEARSON LENEKAR SR @Tiruchy

"We were afraid to start the inhaler because people said my son would get addicted to it. But seeing him struggle every night made us change our mind. Now, he is breathing easier," said R Shamili, his mother.

Doctors say parents must realize that there is no stigma attached to using inhalers and that they are frontline therapy in treating asthma. But a vast majority of people lack awareness, which poses a big challenge as, despite the free availability of inhalers in government hospitals, not many are willing to use them.