ASTHMA: INFLUENCE OF EMOTIONAL FACTORS IN CHILDREN/ADOLESCENTS

Course overview

Asthma, a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways, is the most common chronic disease of childhood, the leading cause of school absences, and the third leading cause of hospitalizations in children under the age of 15. Mounting evidence suggests a complex relationship between asthma and emotional factors: Emotional stress may contribute to the development of asthma and the symptoms and complications of asthma may have adverse effects on emotional well-being. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of the influence of emotional factors in asthma, including information on ways in which emotional stress is associated with asthma, child and parent mental health predictors of asthma-related morbidity, and components of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes measures to address the psychosocial and emotional well-being of children and adolescents with asthma, and to aid in caring for patients with this diagnosis. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.