(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- When treating a child with asthma, there may be more to consider than just the respiratory condition. A new study reveals a connection between asthma and behavioral problems.

The study, published in this month's Pediatrics, shows children who live in the city and have asthma are more likely to have behavioral problems than children without the condition.

Parents of more than 1,600 children in Rochester, N.Y., filled out a questionnaire as the children were entering kindergarten. The survey looked at background, medical history and behavior. The social skills of children with asthma were compared to those of healthy children.

Researchers found children with asthma had lower scores on their social skills as well as their task orientation. Additionally, asthmatic children were more likely to show shy and/or anxious behaviors.

Lead researcher Jill Halterman, M.D., M.P.H., says there's no indication whether the behavioral problems make managing the asthma more difficult or the asthma makes controlling the behavior a challenge, but, she says, both need to be addressed.

Based on the study findings, Dr. Halterman urges parents of asthmatic children to watch for behavioral problems and to set appropriate limits for acting out.

Asthma is the most common chronic illness in children. Children who live in poverty and children of ethnic minorities are at a disproportionately higher risk for asthma. In addition to facing an increased number of doctor and hospital visits, children with asthma tend to have co-existing medical and psychiatric conditions.

Researchers point out these findings are especially important because this group of children is the least likely to receive appropriate preventive treatment. They say, "Therapeutic plans to improve asthma management may need to include treatment of concomitant behavior difficulties to improve the outcomes for these young patients."

SOURCE: Pediatrics, 2006;117:e192-e199