How Family Support Improves Asthma Symptoms

Children living in unsafe areas tended to experience worse overall asthma symptoms than their peers in less dangerous neighborhoods, according to a study in the journal Pediatrics.

For the purposes of the study, trained raters assessed neighborhoods as “dangerous” or “disorderly” based on the presence of litter, graffiti, abandoned homes, vacant lots and other criteria.

To see how family support impacted asthma symptoms, researchers conducted interviews, gave questionnaires, checked blood samples and tested the breathing function of 308 kids.

The results were conclusive: Kids fared better when there was a higher-quality family relationship. In most cases, that strong family relationship essentially erased the negative effects of living in a disorderly neighborhood.

There are many ways you can create a supportive, nurturing home environment to help your child with asthma – and the whole family – live a more healthful life.

• Make time for family.
• Eat well together.
• Work on an asthma action plan with your child and their pediatrician or pediatric asthma specialist.