Children with asthma 'more likely to have behavioural problems'

Wednesday, 17 September 2003 12:00 AM

Children with asthma are more likely to have behavioural problems, according to a new study conducted by researchers at The University of Manchester.

The scientists reason that parents of children with asthma may take a different approach, which may exacerbate behavioural problems, and even lead to great risk of wheezing attacks.

Clinical psychologist Rachel Calam and her team monitored the development of asthma in 663 children from the National Asthma Campaign, Manchester Asthma and Allergy Study.

They found that at age three, children with asthma were more likely to have behavioural problems, compared to their peers with no asthma symptoms. Even symptomatic children at low risk of asthma with no genetic background of the disease displayed elevated behaviour problem ratings.

With higher levels of behavioural problems came increased risks of recurrent wheezy attacks, the team found. This has led Dr Calam to suggest changes in the approach of parents could prompt important improvements in physical and mental health in children with asthma.

'It is important to develop accessible psychological interventions to promote positive parent management skills to help families to manage a child with asthma.'

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