In my New York City office I can see the evidence of recent reports that urban children are being affected by asthma at a higher rate than their non-urban counterparts. Recent estimates suggest that asthma is a contributing factor in an aggregate 10.5 million missed school days annually with urban children being affected at a greater rate. Without proper asthma management loss of sleep due to asthma attacks can negatively affect these children's lives.

Lost sleep due to asthma has been linked to a variety of problems in urban children, particularly in the Latino community. School absences, restrictions on physical activities including playing, and increases in emergency room visits are among the problems experienced. This lost sleep is attributed to nocturnal asthma attacks, which disrupt sleep when not properly attended to. Children from urban backgrounds are at increased risk of disrupted sleep, which can greatly affect their daytime functioning. 

The research has shown that children in an urban environment are at greater risk due to disadvantages from poverty that can negatively affect asthma control. These children may experience stressors and anxiety that exacerbate their condition. Parents and healthcare providers can help mitigate negative effects by routinely monitoring sleep in children with asthma. Ensuring proper asthma control can help to minimize sleep disruptions.

Nocturnal asthma, which can affect sleep patterns, presents with symptoms like chest tightness, shortness, of breath, coughing, and wheezing. Nocturnal asthma is common and potentially dangerous. Daily asthma medications, such as inhaled steroids have been shown to be effective at reducing inflammation and preventing nocturnal symptoms. Asthma treatment needs to be sufficient to cover the entire anticipated sleep period to be effective, though, as nocturnal asthma may occur anytime during the sleep period. In addition avoiding allergy triggers such as dust mites or animal dander can also be quite helpful in reducing the risk of nocturnal asthma attacks.

Treatment and proper management are the key to reducing the effects of asthma. With proper care from an Allergist or Specialist patients may experience: up to a 76 percent reduction in emergency room visits; up to an 89 percent reduction in hospitalizations; and up to a 77 percent reduction in lost time from school. 

A child's education is not only vital to their own future but to the future of their community. Missed school days due to asthma can be mitigated with appropriate care. For more information about asthma management visit me at NYCAllergyDoctor.com