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Search #ABSTRACT#
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, asthma’s impact on health, quality of life, and the economy is substantial, and asthma rates are increasing. Currently, there is no way to prevent the initial onset of asthma, and there is no cure. However, people who have asthma can control it with medication and by avoiding contact with environmental "triggers" such as cockroaches, dust mites, furry pets, mold, tobacco smoke, and certain chemicals.
Asthma’s Impact in the United States
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Affected 10 million adults and as many as 5 million children in 2000
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Caused more than 4,600 deaths in 1999
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Results in between 400,000 and 500,000 hospitalizations each year
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Causes approximately 100 million person-days of restricted activity each year
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Collective cost estimated to be $12.7 billion for 1998.
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Asthma and Children
Between 1980 and 1994, the prevalence of asthma increased 75% overall and 74% among children 5 to 14 years of age. Asthma now affects nearly 5 million people who are younger than 18 years of age. Low-income populations, minorities, and children living in inner cities experience disproportionately higher morbidity and mortality due to asthma. Asthma’s effects on children and adolescents include the following:
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Asthma accounts for 10 million to 14 million lost days of school missed annually.
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Asthma is the third-ranking cause of hospitalization among those younger than 15 years of age.
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The number of children dying from asthma increased almost threefold from 93 in 1979 to 266 in 1996.
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The estimated cost of treating asthma in those younger than 18 years of age is $3.2 billion per year.
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