BELIEF SYSTEMS THAT AFFECT THE MANAGEMENT OF CHILDHOOD ASTHMA

So as a person believes, a corresponding behavior will follow. Therefore, to change a behavior, you must first change the belief. NANCY SANDER Asthma morbidity and mortality rates in the US continue to climb despite decades of improved understanding of the pathophysiologic processes and treatment of the disease and the increased use of inhaled corticosteroids. While most experts point to overuse of inhaled bronchodilators, chronic exposure to environmental allergens and irritants, and economic and access issues related to inner city populations as contributing factors, few have considered the impact of patient beliefs about asthma on the outcome of the disease. However, several research projects and survey tools conducted by the Allergy and Asthma Network/Mothers of Asthmatics, Inc. (AAN/MA), an international nonprofit patient education organization founded in 1985, reveal startling evidence that common misconceptions about asthma can have significant impact on patient quality of life and risk of death. 1a