These Free Comic Books Explain Asthma in a Way Kids Can Understand

In the United States, about 7 million children have asthma, a lung disease that inflames and narrows the airways, according to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Even though so many kids are affected, not all children understand why some of their classmates may have a hard time during recess or gym class. That’s where Medikidz steps in. This organization created a series of doctor-written comic books to explain medical conditions to children.

Their latest series follows a 10-year-old boy named Savion as he learns the science behind asthma and the importance of proper treatment for the disease. The most recent book in the series focuses on the right way to use an inhaler.

Medikidz and its partner Meda, a pharmaceutical company, believe education is the key to helping people living with asthma. In the United States, there are more than 3,600 deaths due to asthma each year, many of which are avoidable with proper treatment and care, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

“One of the best ways to help prevent these unnecessary deaths is to ensure that patients and caregivers have a better understanding what causes asthma, how to recognize worsening symptoms and the importance of listening to your doctor and taking your medication on a regular basis,” Stuart Loesch, Vice President of Marketing for Meda, told The Mighty in an email.

The books are available for free, and anyone can get them online.