Adolescent asthma
Internet fora represent views of people communicating freely with one another without time, length, or geographical constraints. A team of Londonbased researchers recently explored the experiences of adolescents with asthma inhaler treatment by analysing existing posts in an online forum (Asthma UK) written by adolescents and parents.1 They identified a number of practical barriers to inhaler use including forgetfulness, poor routines, inadequate inhaler technique, organisational difficulties (such as repeat prescriptions), and families not understanding or accepting that their child had asthma. Facilitators to adherence included actively seeking GPs’ or consultants’ adjustments if problems arose and learning to deal with the side effects and stigma. Parents were instrumental …