The Internet has many valuable sites that provide information about Asthma.

We are constantly checking and categorizing them so that you can find them easily and rely on them to be credible sources. You may find that you prefer some sites because of their organization, or their affiliation, or their point of view. There is no one size fits all solution. Our goal is to help you find the information sources that work for you and your family.

Medline Plus: Asthma in Children

Medline Plus is a service of the US National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. It is a comprehensive site that aggregates information and links from a wide range of highly regarded non-profit sources. The content ranges from patient-friendly basic explanations to detailed information about related subjects, including clinical trials and journal articles. One great feature is a series of “slideshows” that demonstrate how to use inhalers, nebulizers, peak flow meters and spacers. In addition to its own content, the site has a directory of other sites you may want to visit. We recommend you make this site one of your first stops on your search for dependable input for you and your family.

Languages
Arabic, Chinese, English, Japanese, Russian, Somali, Spanish, Vietnamese

For Adults

Kids Health

KidsHealth is part of the Nemours Foundations’ Center for Children’s Health Media. The Nemours Foundation is a nonprofit that was formed in 1936 by Alfred I. DuPont with the mission of improving the health of children. The Center is led by pediatricians and focuses exclusively on children’s health media. The asthma content on the site is aimed at three groups, parents, kids and teens. This leveled approach allows your child or teen to explore on his own and learn about asthma from a credible source. Though the information is top notch and the writing is user-friendly (at all levels) the site itself is a little confusing to navigate. Undoubtedly kids will have no trouble getting around, but you may need a little more time to find what you need.

Languages
English, Spanish

For Both Adults and Kids

Allergy and Asthma Network
Mothers of Asthmatics

Like many other sites, this site has both general and child-specific information about asthma – diagnosis, treatment, management. But it has one important twist that may make it the right resource for you. It is one of the only sites we found that has a section focusing on babies and toddlers with asthma.

Languages
English, Spanish

Lungtropolis

Lungtropolis was developed in collaboration with the American Lung Association. It is divided into two sections – an interactive game for kids 5-10 and an informational site for parents. In the game, kids become “agents” who have to track down and defeat the notorious mucous mob. Successful agents answer questions about asthma control and play simple games to eliminate the mobsters. In the parents section, useful information and tips for empowering kids with asthma are presented in comforting, simple language. The parents’ site is nicely designed with clear and intuitive navigation. In January 2011 the site did a control trial to gauge the program’s effectiveness. The study found that children who used Lungtropolis significantly improved their knowledge about asthma.

Languages
English

For Both Adults and Kids

American Lung Association

The American Lung Association’s website addresses asthma in general, and the particular concerns of asthma in young children and teens. Information is presented in a straightforward manner and the pages are densely packed. Perhaps one of its most interesting features is actually its “sister” page on You Tube which contains video segments that demonstrate use of asthma medicines.

Languages
English

Aditional Media
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2E0F4A3784937A7F&feature=plcp

For Adults

National Jewish Health

National Jewish Health is a medical center and research institute specializing in respiratory, immune and allergic research. The hospital has been rated one of the top rated US respiratory hospitals for many years. Despite its name, it is non-sectarian and provides free or heavily subsidized health care to people of all creeds. The website contains reliable information about asthma control and treatment as well as a special section just for kids, called the Asthma Wizard. The Asthma Wizard is a lengthy “story” about asthma that also contains quizzes, a jigsaw, and a treasure hunt.

Languages
English, Spanish

For Both Adults and Kids

Dusty the Asthma Goldfish
and His Asthma Triggers Funbook

Dusty is a very simple printable booklet for kids. It was created by the EPA and focuses on teaching kids about triggers. The booklet is colorful and contains a few time-tested activities such as a word search, a dot to dot game, and a maze. Though it does not specify an age range, our evaluators felt it would be appropriate for kids 5-8. If you are looking for a simple primer on triggers, this is a good choice.

Languages
English, Spanish

For Kids

Asthma and Allergy Friendly

This site provides listings of products which have been certified as asthma and allergy friendly. The certification program was created by medical experts in conjunction with the oldest nonprofit asthma and allergy patient advocacy organization, The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Product categories include air cleaning devices, bedding, cleaning products, flooring, paint, toys, washing machines, vacuum cleaners, and mattresses. If you are looking for non-medicinal products for people with asthma, this is a great place to start.

Languages
English

For Adults

American Academy of Allergy
and Asthma and Immunology

An authoritative site operated by a professional organization whose membership includes allergist/immunologists and other medical specialists with an interest in the research and treatment of immunologic diseases. In addition to the usual overview information, the site includes a useful drug guide which explains medications commonly used to treat asthma. The site also includes a brief animated “movie” from the popular kids educational website, Brain Pop. The movie explains the basics of asthma to kids. There are additional activities for kids, but they do not appear to be as engaging as the Brain Pop material.

Languages
English

For Both Adults and Kids

www.asthma.com

Asthma.com is funded by Glaxo Smith Kline, a major drug company. However, despite its origins, it does not appear to promote any particular products. In fact, it does not even have ads. The site is simple to navigate, well-laid out and contains useful general information as well as specific information relating to children.