Asthma - DC(8) embarrassed about it

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DS(8) has been diagnosed with asthma and has been prescribed the usual two inhalers and also antihistamine as the consultant thinks it’s related to pollen (waiting for allergy testing). So far symptoms are being well-managed.

Since he was diagnosed a couple of months ago he has gradually become increasingly embarrassed about having asthma and has got very stroppy with me, and tearful, when I’ve had to speak to a few people about it in his presence ie updating medical record at the gym/swim club, holiday club, school etc. He says he doesn’t want people to know, hates having asthma, I must never tell anyone etc. He really has got stroppy and tearful about it.

Has anyone else’s primary-aged DC been like this? I read on Asthma & Lung that its common for teens to be like this and refuse to take their medication and are putting their lives at risk, so I am scared he is going to start behaving like this.

Hopeful bump

My son also has Asthma and was diagnosed as an infant, he’s now an adult and manages his asthma well. Does he see an Asthma Nurse who could explain everything to him and tell him that it’s nothing to be embarrassed about. I wonder if one of his friends/class mates have said something to him to make him feel like this. Unfortunately people do need to be told of his condition, just in case he has an asthma attack and they need to know where his inhalers are. Is there anything on Asthma UK website for children.

@Mindymomo We were just given an asthma care plan and medication by an asthma nurse in the hospital and that’s it. She spoke to me and pretty much ignored DS (who at this point was still quite ill and ‘out of it’). The consultant wants to see him in 6 months time during winter to see how he is coping and we have an allergy testing appointment soon, but no one has spoken to us at all about handling the condition.

So many people have been so dismissive of his diagnosis when Asthma & Lung themselves say this attitude is costing lives.

There is a boy in his class who has form for saying unkind and rude things to DS, as well as others, and I suspect he may have said something.

Anyway, thank you for your reply and I have emailed the helpline for advice.

I would ring your GP and ask for an appointment with the Asthma Nurse, most have them and in fact they chase us to see them. Both my Son and I go every year to ours. They have samples of empty inhalers to make sure you have ones that suit you best. My son has an auto inhaler that clicks when the ventolin is released, he’s found that the easiest to use.