Computer Game Teaches Kids With Asthma To Be in Control

Asthma affects nearly 150 million people across the world, but is usually controllable with proper treatment and medication. Learning about asthma and ways to avoid or reduce its symptoms before they become severe is important for everyone with this common respiratory disease. But keeping kids engaged in asthma self-management can be a challenge for health care professionals.

Researchers from the University of Nottingham and the Nottingham City Hospital in the United Kingdom developed an interactive computer program to help kids with asthma learn how to manage the disease on their own. A group of 101 7- to 14-year-olds with asthma received an asthma information booklet and some also received "The Asthma Files,"an interactive CD-ROM.

In the game, users are secret agents finding out as much about asthma management as possible by listening to information, taking quizzes, and solving problems. A researcher brought a laptop computer to each child, and all kids were encouraged to use the program however they wanted for as long as desired. Before the study began and 1 and 6 months later, all kids in the study took tests designed to measure their knowledge of asthma, its symptoms, and treatment. They also answered questions about how much control they felt they had over their asthma symptoms. Parents also answered questions about how often asthma caused their children to miss school, visit the hospital, visit the doctor unexpectedly, and use asthma steroid medications.

After just 1 month, kids who'd used the computer program knew more about preventing asthma symptoms than those who only received the booklet. They also reported feeling more in control of their asthma management. And 6 months after using the computer program, significantly fewer of them needed asthma medication and they missed less school than kids who'd only read the booklet.

What This Means to You. Interactive computer games tailored to kids with asthma may help them learn to manage and control their asthma symptoms. If you're interested in entertaining resources that can help your child manage asthma, talk to your doctor or other member of your child's asthma management team. Organizations such as the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America or the American Lung Association can also provide additional help and resources.

Source: Amy C. McPherson, PhD; Cristine Glazebrook, PhD, CPsychol; Debra Forster, RGN, RSCN; Claire James, MB, MRCGP, DRCOG, DFFP; Alan Smyth, MA, MB, BS, MRCP, MD, FRCPCH; Pediatrics, April 2006.

Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: May 2006

Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.

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