i actually very much agree or they seem the need in films to take it when they get nervous i mean what a load of shit lol xx

I agree. And they always overuse the inhaler. If I used mine as much as the kid in Goonies, I would be climbing the walls! And the bad guy in Casino Royal the same. One exception, the mom in The Hand that Rocks the Cradle. When the evil woman puts holes in her inhalers and empties them, and then she starts to have an attack and they are all empty. That was way to realistic for me. It made me very uncomfortable. So yes, I think they need to be a little more careful.

Hollywood is notorious for being clueless! I never thought about this before...but you are right. It is seen as a weakness. They would never say that about AIDS or cancer, I bet.

OK. I have to put my 2 cents in here.

While this might be true, I think it's distracting, destructive and ultimately detracts from other more important topics that should be discussed- such as the lack of universal health care coverage in the U.S. in order to treat asthma/COPD and other chronic diseases.

Getting politically correct in this situation won't realistically help anyone. Getting politically active might.

By the way, there is a realistic asthma scene in a recent Morgan Freedman movie in which he portrays a cop interrogating a suspect. I recall the late Joel Segal saying this was so realistic, it made him hold his breath. But then again, this will not change our daily lives for better or worse.

Think about it.

Orsonwelz, why do you think one person's topic is any more or less worthy of space here? Are you a moderator? Who says what goes here? Did you notice how many replied to Tom's post? You participated in this discussion as well. Political agendas, to be sure, should be labeled as such, though and after reading about your social agenda, I feel like I understand where you are coming from. I think discussing asthma on all levels is perfectly appropriate.

I have thought about it...and these things still annoy me.
Destructive? I think that's a little too severe.
I don't think anyone is minimizing the importance of health care for all chronic conditions. It is a major problem ,but I doubt if my dicussion post will have any effect on it one way or another.
Back on topic, another fair portrayal of an asthmatic was on the "Sopranos". tony Soprano's consigliere Syl had asthma, but was not portrayed as a wimp.

you are so right! particularly the kid in The Goonies always bothered me, and I feel self-conscious when I have to use my inhaler in public. I do feel like a geek -- but that's not the truth about asthmatics...we're just trying to breathe.

I never thought of this; No wonder I always feel like a dork when I have to use my inhaler in public! I'm serious! I always hide when I need to use it in public. TV does make asthmatics look kind of nerdy.

I feel self consious when I have to use mine in public. I almost feel like I should carry it in a paper bag. lol. People sometimes ask, "Are you okay?" And I have to say, "I am fine, just can't breath well." It is embarrassing. I wish people would MYOB.

I guess I haven't seen that yet, but boy that is dumb!! Anyone with breathing difficulties WOULD NEVER make fun of it... rrr!!

New idea-- we should all sue them LOL JUSt kidding, but hey if some lady can get rich off of hot coffee....... :)

It never bothers me. I am what I am. When people ask me if I'm okay from puffing on the inhaler, I look at it as taking a compliment that they have a concern for another human being. Imagine how you'ld feel if there was a true emergency and you needed immediate care, would you rather they minded their own business then?(directed to Marah's reply) At the time of really needing an inhaler, the only thing that passes thru my mind is being able to breath, I don't have the time or care of feeling embarrassed of what others may think. Hollywood will always portray something we don't like. It all starts from something someone wrote. Its not necessarily Hollywood, its the individual person who wrote it in the first place. I've seen plenty of shows even showing people in the hospital beds breathing on all sorts of stuff for their asthma. I thought the Goonies kid was kinda funny- especially the part where the girl gives him a kiss- it sparked enough to take his breath away! Its all on how you look at it- I just felt like that Ebert guy. lol.

I too felt embarassed when I had to use my inhaler in public. I actually had people stop walking to look at me - maybe it was concern (or just curiosity? I would like to think it was concern). As for the movies, I thought the kid in Goonies was cute also - and, yes, the Hand that Rocks the Cradle spooked me also. I think about that movie when I use my inhaler.

As for Orsonwelz, I take this as good therapy just like the "serious" conversations we have. Why not have a laugh or two? Remember...laughter is the best medicine, right?