The emotional needs of allergic and asthmatic patients and their families.

This article describes the emotional needs of allergic and asthmatic patients and their families that must addressed if optimal management and well-being is to be achieved. Health care professionals need to recognize the psychosocial issues of patients and parents, which include the effect of stressors, illness perceptions, fears, and concerns and that the management of asthma and allergies requires a team effort, involving a wide variety of health care professionals, e.g., physicians, nurses, social workers, psychologists, teachers, as well as involvement of voluntary health organizations and local support groups. Asthma self-management educational programs address these emotional needs and provide the foundation for gaining control.