Allergy & Asthma Support Groups

Several studies have shown the importance of support groups, particularly to groups with chronic health problems.  Support groups, for those affected by a common problem, provide information as well as support.It is not difficult to find a support group, but it is hard to find a good one.Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America offers Educational Support Groups (ESGs) across the country to help you gather relevant information about asthma and allergies and offer emotional support. Group dynamics may vary.  Groups normally feature guest speakers, a medical advisor, and the vital face-to-face sharing of information and solutions for disease management.From AAFA.org

Realizing that people have different needs, AAFA offers four types of ESG's to address the special challenges and issues faced by: Parent groups - Parents/caregivers may be at a loss when a loved one is diagnosed with asthma and/or allergies. Support groups can five you the help and knowledge you need to make it easier to cope. Pre-teens and teens - Young people, age 9-17, with asthma get the chance to talk to doctors, nurses, and peers about the challenges they face every day and to make new friends. Adult groups - Adults learn the latest advances in medications and research, the tools of asthma management and practical tips on how to deal with the issues they face. Food allergy groups - Families share the special challenges they face daily and practical solutions for managing food allergies. FEAST (Food Education Allergy Support Teams) groups are formed in partnership with the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN).