Although asthma is the most common chronic disease in childhood, information on pediatric patients’ views on asthma-specific health-related quality of life (HRQL) has not been described before. HRQL brings together various aspects of an individual’s subjective experience that relate both directly and indirectly to health, disease, disability, and impairment. In a study reported in the journal, Health and Quality of Life Outcomes,  researchers conducted focus groups to establish the components of asthma-specific HRQL, as experienced by primary school-aged asthmatic children. The most important finding was that asthma influences the life of children physically, emotionally, and socially. The most important components of HRQL were the consequences and negative effects of asthma on peer relationships (e.g., being bullied), the dependence on medication, shortness of breath, cough, limitations in activities, and the social limitations as a result of avoiding environmental cigarette smoke. To read the complete study, please click here.