There’s no doubt that severe asthma can make life more challenging for kids. Outside activities can be seen as hurdles. Even something as simple as blowing out birthday candles can be a struggle for kids with asthma. We know that as a parent, this can make you feel helpless. By definition, a child with severe asthma experiences symptoms on a daily basis. And in many cases, rescue inhalers are often needed to treat those symptoms. The most common symptoms of severe asthma are frequent wheezing, shortness of breath, and tightness in the chest. This type of asthma often affects a child’s day-to-day life and negatively impacts sleep. Research shows that 24% of children and adolescents between the ages of 5 and 17 have some limited activity due to asthma.¹ Even more alarming, asthma is the number-one reason kids chronically miss school. In fact, according to a global survey, approximately half of school-aged children were absent from school at least one day because they had asthma symptoms.² This is a reality you probably know all too well. If you feel like you’re in a losing battle with your child’s asthma, don’t give up hope. Right now, research is underway to determine the safety and efficacy of an investigational drug for treating severe asthma in children. It’s part of the Voyage Study, and you are invited to see if your child may qualify. To see if your child may qualify, or for more information, visit ChildrensAsthmaStudy.com. Gregory Kearney et al., “Eastern Carolina Asthma Prevention Program (ECAPP),” Environmental Health Insights 8 (2014): 27–37.
2. “2013 National Health Interview Survey,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2014.
