Pope’s book aimed at helping children control asthma

NORMALLY it’s Hookey doing the huffing and puffing but this time round fellow rugby pundit Brent Pope is the wheezing geezer in wolf’s clothing.

Having suffered from asthma as a child, the popular TV analyst and author of children’s books turned his attention to easing the anxiety of children at the mercy of unexpected rasps and gasps.

The outcome was a book entitled The Wheezing Wolf and The Three Little Pigs — an adaptation of a much-loved fairytale — launched yesterday.

Revolving around the trials and tribulations of a young asthma-suffering wolf named Wilbur, the book provides essential information to diminish the distress of children who have asthma. Suitable for six to eight-year-olds, it also highlights the steps necessary to control the ailment.

At the launch, Pope said: “I am happy to be a part of this project as I know what it is like to have childhood asthma. It can be very distressing for parents and children. Through the book we hope that children will learn about asthma; why it happens and what they can do to prevent it.”

Peter Greally, consultant in paediatric respiratory medicine at Tallaght Hospital, said that there were many treatment options available for children of all ages which ensure they can lead normal and active lives.

“If children will not or cannot take inhaled treatments there are now oral non-steroidal controller medications available,” he said.

“It is vital that children use their preventer medicine as part of their daily asthma management plan,” Dr Greally said.

For more information, contact the Asthma Society of Ireland’s helpline on 1850-445464. The book was supported by an educational grant of Merck Sharp & Dohme Ireland (Human Health) Ltd.