Children with asthma: Assessment and treatment in school settings

Abstract

Asthma is a chronic disease of the airways. It affects approximately 12% of American children, and it appears that that incidence is increasing. Asthma in children negatively influences schoolbased outcomes such as absenteeism and friendship formation. Potential triggers of asthma include environmental allergens, exercise, weather, and emotional states. These lead to airway swelling and muscle constriction, which ultimately block airflow and impede breathing. In addition to medical treatments, the implementation of psychologically based interventions has been efficacious in school settings. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.