Psychological considerations of the child with asthma.
Asthma, the most common chronic disease in children and adolescents in industrialized countries, is typified by airway inflammation and obstruction leading to wheezing, dyspnea, and cough. However, the effect of asthma does not end with pulmonary changes. Research has shown a direct link between asthma and stress and psychiatric illness, which if untreated results in heightened morbidity and effects on society. The link between asthma and psychiatric illness, however, is often underappreciated by many pediatric and child mental health professionals. This article reviews the diagnosis and treatment of asthma as well as the correlation between asthma and psychiatric illness in children in an effort to improve management and treatment strategies for this prevalent disease.
Peters
Todd E
TE
Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02915, USA. Todd_Peters@brown.edu
Fritz
Gregory K
GK
D000293:Adolescent; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D062787:Drug Overdose; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; D012063:Relaxation
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents