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Neuropsychological dysfunction in asthmatic children

R D Annett1, B G Bender

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico, School of Medicine, Albuquerque 87131-5311.

Neuropsychology Review
|June 1, 1994
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric asthma generally does not cause uniform neuropsychological deficits. Asthma medications may have temporary, specific effects on attention and memory, warranting further study in children.

Area of Science:

  • Neuropsychology
  • Pediatric Medicine
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Pediatric asthma is frequently associated with concerns about neuropsychological functioning.
  • Methodological challenges, including objective asthma measurement, complicate research.
  • Existing evidence does not strongly support asthma as a sole cause of uniform cognitive deficits.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review neuropsychological dysfunction in pediatric asthma.
  • To examine the impact of asthma medications on cognitive function.
  • To discuss implications for pediatric neuropsychologists.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on pediatric asthma and neuropsychological outcomes.
  • Analysis of research on adverse effects of asthma medications.
  • Consideration of confounding variables like socioeconomic status.

Main Results:

  • Asthma alone is unlikely to cause homogeneous neuropsychological compromise.
  • Asthma medications can have medication-specific effects on neuropsychological functions like attention and memory.
  • Acute medication effects appear reversible, but long-term impacts on the developing nervous system are unknown.

Conclusions:

  • The link between asthma and neuropsychological dysfunction is complex and influenced by medication.
  • Poorly controlled asthma may be associated with learning difficulties.
  • Further research is needed on long-term effects of asthma medications in children.

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