Long-Term Outlook
In a 2003 study, researchers followed people with asthma for longer than 30 years. About a third of children had outgrown their asthma in adulthood. In general, the more severe the childhood asthma, the greater the likelihood that it will persist. For example, only 23% of children who experienced wheezy bronchitis (wheezing during respiratory infections) suffered from frequent or persistent asthma in adulthood.
There is now some evidence that severe asthma can cause long-lasting damage and possibly permanent scarring in some patients. The risk for such injury is highest, however, when asthma strikes children in the first 3 to 5 years. There does not appear to be any significant risk for long-term lung damage for children who develop mild to moderate persistent asthma between ages 5 to 12. Children adapt well to living with asthma, however, and even with severe asthma they can function as well as healthy children in virtually all areas of life.
Psychologic Factors
Studies are mixed over the effects of emotional disorders on the severity of asthma. One study indicated that parents of children with asthma may suffer greater psychological stress than their children. A 2000 study, reported that having mild-to-moderate asthma does not significantly affect the psychological well-being of most children aged 5 to 12. Teenagers and preteens have particular difficulty coping with what they perceive as the social stigma of asthma. Often they will deny their condition and refuse to comply with their drug regimen. Parents and older children should not hesitate to seek help from support groups, doctors, friends, or family members. Supporting programs in camp and school may help children to better manage their asthma and may even reduce hospitalization.
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