Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
14:39

Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma

Published on: November 4, 2010

Common behavioral problems among children with asthma: is there a role of asthma treatment?

Hulya Ercan Saricoban1, Ahmet Ozen, Koray Harmanci

  • 1Pediatric Allergy and Asthma Unit, Yeditepe University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey. hulya_ercan@yahoo.com

Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology : Official Publication of the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology
|March 1, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Asthma medications, specifically inhaled corticosteroids with leukotriene antagonists, are linked to behavioral issues in children. This combination therapy, not asthma itself, increases the risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and oppositional defiant disorder.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Allergy and Pulmonology
  • Child Psychology and Psychiatry

Background:

  • Children with asthma exhibit a higher prevalence of behavioral problems.
  • Investigating the link between asthma and behavioral issues is crucial for comprehensive care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between common behavioral problems and asthma.
  • To specifically evaluate the role of asthma medications in these behavioral associations.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 409 children with asthma and 157 healthy controls were assessed.
  • Behavioral problems including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), attention deficit (AD), hyperactivity and impulsivity (HI), and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) were evaluated using a standardized inventory.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences in the prevalence of AD, hyperactivity, ADHD, or ODD were found between children with asthma and controls.
  • Among children with asthma, the duration of adjunctive leukotriene antagonist (LA) and inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) therapy correlated with hyperactivity, AD, ADHD, and ODD scores.
  • Patients on ICS+LA treatment showed an increased risk for oppositional behavior compared to both controls and those on other asthma medications.

Conclusions:

  • The adjunctive use of ICS+LA therapy, rather than asthma itself, is associated with behavioral problems.
  • This combination therapy may increase the risk for conditions like ODD in children with asthma.
Abstract

More Related Videos

A Traditional Chinese Medicine Characteristic Therapy for Bronchial Asthma: Moxibustion05:56

A Traditional Chinese Medicine Characteristic Therapy for Bronchial Asthma: Moxibustion

Published on: May 12, 2023

Related Concept Videos

Asthma I: Introduction01:28

Asthma I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
Asthma-I: Introduction01:29

Asthma-I: Introduction

Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management01:30

Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management

The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications01:24

Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications

Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management01:20

Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management

Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations01:13

Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations

Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...