Emotional and Behavioral Impact

Children with severe asthma may be especially at risk for emotional and behavioral problems, including anxiety, depression, and hyperactivity.

Coping with a Chronic Illness

Living with a chronic illness can be challenging for children. Your child may feel different from peers and awkward or embarrassed when experiencing symptoms in public. Having a long-term health problem can also make your child feel insecure.

The Role of Allergy Symptoms

Allergy symptoms are uncomfortable, and may make your child anxious and fearful. These feelings may then affect relationships with others. When children feel sick, they're more likely to be short-tempered. Sleepless nights can cause fatigue and short attention spans.

Side Effects of Medications

Medications can be an important part of treating asthma; however, they may affect how your child feels and behaves:

• Bronchodilators can cause nausea, headache, nervousness, and insomnia.
• Inhaled corticosteroids are used to treat mild to moderate asthma. The most common side effects are thrush (a yeast infection of the mouth) and hoarseness. Long- term use may result in growth suppression.
• Oral corticosteroids, when used appropriately, can be valuable and even life-saving. Long-term use (months to years), however, can cause mood swings, weight gain, and growth suppression.

What You Can Do

If you think your child has emotional or behavioral symptoms related to asthma, you may want to discuss this with your doctor and:

• Talk to your children about asthma to help relieve their anxieties and fears.
• Choose the asthma medications with the fewest side effects and best results for your children.
• Educate your children's teachers about asthma so your child gets the right care at school.
• Treat your children's symptoms more aggressively or regularly.
• Reduce indoor asthma triggers and allergens by keeping your home dust- and smoke-free.
• Work with your doctor to help your children understand and cope with asthma.