Survey: One in 10 children with asthma bullied because of their disorder

By Staff Writer

A worldwide survey found that one in 10 kids who have asthma is bullied or teased because of their condition.

According to MedPageToday.com, the Room to Breathe study surveyed 1,284 children with asthma and their parents in six different countries. Children between eight and 15 years old were interviewed themselves while parental interviews were conducted for children between four and eight.

A pediatrician in England told the news provider that he was startled by the results, saying that most physicians do not ask their patients if they are bullied as a direct result of their respiratory disorder. The findings emphasize the need for doctors to talk to their patients about bullying and other effects asthma might have on their social life.

The survey also revealed that complete asthma control was achieved by only 15 percent of the children who were surveyed. Researchers believe that lack of control may be due to a parental fear of steroid use or underestimation of the impact of asthma on children.

The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development reports that 30 percent of U.S. students in grades six through 10 are involved in moderate or frequent bullying — as bullies, as victims, or as both.