Shwaas, a support group for parents of asthmatic children initiated by city-based Chest Research Foundation, is helping parents address their worries. World Asthma Day is observedon May7.

“To see one’s child gasping for breath or coughing incessantly, losing out on sleep, missing school, missing games and the little pleasures of life is heart wrenching for a parent,” said Monica Barne, head, training programme division, Chest ResearchFoundation.

“There are several questions parents have like is it really asthma, why did my child get asthma, will he/she be normal again, are inhalers the only option, are they harmful/addictive and so on. The support group is meanttohelp such parents,”she added.

Barne said, “During the meetings, parents share their thoughts and experiences with other parents which help them address their worries.” Every issue pertaining to asthma is addressed by a clinician so that myths are erased. Five such meetingshavebeen held.