Emotional Effects of Asthma

Asthma is a chronic illness that affects both children and adults. Although the major symptoms are physical, the emotional effects can also take a toll on the person who suffers with it.

• Medications for asthma can have an emotional effect.

Embarassment

• The sudden onset of an asthma attack in a public place can cause stress and embarrassment, which increase the symptoms.

School

• Students with asthma often miss more school than other children their age, causing them to have to do more makeup work and feel like they stand out from others.

Activities

• Both children and adults might find that their asthma symptoms are more intense when participating in certain activities, resulting in them avoiding new endeavors for fear of an attack.

Side Effects

• Medications that are commonly given to people with asthma often have side effects that can cause a sense of nervousness and uneasiness. This is especially important to think about with young children who may not be able to express these physical and emotional feelings.

Considerations

• Understanding asthma attacks and why they happen can help ease the anxiety of trying new things. It is also important to keep doctors informed of any issues, so a proper treatment plan can be in place.