The adolescent with asthma

Matthew J Bitsko; Robin S Everhart; Bruce K Rubin

doi:10.1016/j.prrv.2013.07.003

The adolescent with asthma

Paediatr Respir Rev. 2014 Jun;15(2):146-53. doi: 10.1016/j.prrv.2013.07.003. Epub 2013 Aug 22.

Authors

Matthew J Bitsko¹, Robin S Everhart², Bruce K Rubin³

Affiliations

¹ Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA; Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23284, USA. Electronic address: mbitsko@mcvh-vcu.edu.
² Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23284, USA.
³ Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, 23298, USA.

PMID: 23972334
DOI: 10.1016/j.prrv.2013.07.003

Abstract

The adolescent with asthma experiences a period of physical and psychosocial changes that affect their health and well-being. Overall, adolescents with asthma are at increased risk for asthma morbidity and death. Increased rates of depression and anxiety, for the adolescent and their caregivers, can lead to non-adherence to their medical regimens, poor symptom control, and poor treatment outcomes. Contextual factors, such as race, ethnicity, and living situation, affect the prevalence, morbidity, and mortality for the adolescent with asthma. These factors also affect the transition process for adolescents entering adult medical care. An overview is presented of how the adolescent with asthma differs and how healthcare providers can promote effective asthma management and better asthma control.

Keywords: Adherence; Adolescence; Asthma management; Psychological functioning; Transition of care..

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Adolescent
Asthma* / etiology
Asthma* / psychology
Asthma* / therapy
Female
Humans
Male
Patient Compliance
Psychology, Adolescent