School and Sleep Affected by Childhood Asthma

Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, the publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) estimates asthma is the contributing factor in  10.5 million missed school days annually and affects urban children at a higher rate than their non-urban counterparts.Lost sleep due to asthma is to linked to school absences, restrictions on playing and physical activities as well as increases in emergence room visits.  Rates are even higher for urban Latino children.

"Children with asthma from urban backgrounds are at increased risk of disrupted sleep, which can greatly impact their daytime functioning,” said Lauren Daniel Ph.D, lead study author. “It is important for parents and healthcare providers to routinely monitor sleep in children with asthma to minimize sleep disruptions and ensure proper asthma control."

According to the research, children in an urban environment are at greater risk due to "poverty and neighborhood disadvantage, that can negatively affect asthma control."With treatment and proper management the affects of asthma can be greatly reduced.According to the ACAAI with proper care from an Allergist or Specialist patients may experience these improved outcomes:

• 54 percent to 76 percent reduction in emergency room visits
• 60 percent to 89 percent reduction in hospitalizations
• 77 percent reduction in lost time from school

If your child is experiencing asthma related difficulties,  I invite you to call my office for a consultation. 866-632-5537, I have 5 convenient Manhattan locations, and same day appointments are available.Read the entire article on the research findings here.