'Accept childhood asthma of your child and start inhalation therapy at an early age to avoid development of adulthood asthma. Be aware of the fact that caesarean delivery may lead childhood asthma in around 18 per cent cases.'

The Childhood Asthma Support Group, SHWAAS is spreading awareness among the parents of children suffering from asthma.

After the five months of its formation the group is now looking forward to establish the concept of 'asthma–free school'. It is seeking support from society, especially the parents of children suffering from asthma to run groups at the local level.

Providing a helping hand to the parents and children, the group was formed in March this year, under the aegis of Chest Research Foundation (CRF). With a good response from the parents, the group is willing to act independently, with branches in different corners of the city. Currently, around 45 parents have registered with the group, which meets on the fourth Saturday of every month.

What made the CRF to form this group was an alarming rise in the number of children suffering from asthma in the city. "At present, over 8.5 per cent children are suffering from asthma, which is triggered by fungi on dump walls in the rains, while during summer pollen grains attached to petrol particles add to the problem," said CRF medical training coordinator Monika Chopda.

She quoted the research done by Dr Maria at CRF, which highlighted that in 32 per cent cases, childhood asthma has family history while in 18 per cent cases it is due to caesarean delivery. "In normal delivery, the child comes in contact with vaginal fluid and develops immunity by birth. But in case of caesarean delivery, due to sterile equipment and antibiotics, immunity is not developed in the child," said Monika. She advised the parents that without stigmatising the childhood asthma, start the inhalation therapy. "It can be cured if treated by the age of 6–7. So, do not ignore childhood asthma, allergic Rhinitis (runny nose) and long term cough," she added.

The support group, which is functional on the basis of 'Learning from the parents and by the parents', is benefiting a lot to the parents. For registering the group contact on 9822457258 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..