Asthma

Asthma is the most common chronic disease in childhood, with a child being hospitalized every 7 minutes in the United Kingdom. The disease has a genetic predisposition combined with environmental factors. There is also a link to related conditions which include hay fever, eczema and allergy and it is common for children to be on several different medications to control each of the related conditions. There are estimated to be over 1.1 million children with the condition, with an average of two children in every school class. Asthma attacks all age groups but often starts in childhood. It is more common in boys than girls until puberty is reached. The disease is characterized by recurrent episodes of breathlessness and wheezing which vary in frequency and severity from person to person. The condition is due to inflammation of the lining of the bronchioles in the lungs and affects the sensitivity of the nerve endings in the airways so they become easily irritated. During an asthma attack the lining of the small passages swell causing the airways to narrow and reduce the flow of air into the lungs.

Psychosocial impact of asthma