The Effect Of Asthma On School And Self-Esteem

While there's been a great deal of research done on asthma and its physical effects, its causes and the ever-increasing prevalence of asthma among poor urban populations, one area that's been overlooked is the effect that asthma has on school, relationships and self-esteem. While a link between asthma and poor self-image may seem like a stretch, a look at a few statistics offers an enlightening look at how asthma can affect your entire life in ways that most people don't consider.

Fact: The incidence of asthma is increasing in urban settings at an alarming rate. No matter how you try to manipulate the statistics, the numbers are pretty clear. There were nearly three times as many reported cases of asthma among poor, urban youth in 1999 than there were in 1985.

Fact: Even mild asthma puts a significant dent in a student's ability to learn in school. Consider this: according to the Journal of American Medical Association, a student with mild, persistent asthma may miss as much as two days of school per week. At that rate, by the end of the first month of school, the student with asthma has missed more than a full week of lessons. And while one can make up some of the work, there's no making up class discussions and interaction.

Fact: Asthma is often a stress-related condition. Constant absences from school, failing schoolwork and difficulty maintaining relationships all contribute to stress levels. It's quite possible that asthma and its effects feed into each other in a deepening spiral.

Fact: Peer relationships become more and more important as children become teens. For many students with asthma, it's difficult to develop and maintain friendships because of their frequent absences.

Fact: The medications used to treat asthma can make you drowsy, confused and otherwise make it difficult to learn.

When you add it all up, asthma hits high school students with a double and triple whammy. Between their absences and their medications, all but the most dedicated asthmatic teens are fighting a losing battle with their education. Without anything to mitigate them, school failures, social difficulties and physical illness all combine to foster a negative self image.

It's a grim picture, but there are some things that you can do - as a parent, a teacher or an involved adult - to help downplay the effects that asthma has on teen's self-esteem and their life.

1. Encourage your teen to work with her doctor to formulate a workable, written asthma management plan. Keep in mind that the key to living a normal life with asthma is managing the condition rather than treating frequent, acute flare-ups.
   
   
2. Activity is good for asthma management. Encourage your teen to get out there and do things. Dance, sports and other activities are not out of the question for asthmatics. They just require that she take extra precautions, like medicating before activity to prevent an exercise induced asthma attack.
   
   
3. Help your teen learn about successful adults with asthma. Knowing that people with asthma can become professional athletes and successful business people will go a long way toward alleviating the hopelessness of living with the condition.
   
   
4. Allow your teen to manage their own asthma - but keep a close eye on things. Teens often neglect maintenance medication in favor of using their quick-relief inhalers when problems arise. It's important that they understand why preventive medication is vital to them enjoying their life.
   
   
5. If possible, provide them with an ongoing social activity that can help them develop and maintain relationships. Many major cities have asthma support groups for teens and parents. Participating in one can help your teen maintain a positive attitude toward living life to the fullest - despite their limitations. 

If you or a loved one suffers from asthma, it’s time you discovered a life-transforming way to cope with your disease?