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Asthma’s Impact on Children And Adolescents

Asthma is a major public health problem of increasing concern in the United States. 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:

• Asthma accounts for 14 million lost days of school missed annually.

• Asthma is the third-ranking cause of hospitalization among those younger than 15 years of age.

• The number of children dying from asthma increased almost threefold from 93 in 1979 to 266 in 1996.

• The estimated cost of treating asthma in those younger than 18 years of age is $3.2 billion per year.

Currently, there are no preventive measures or cure for asthma; however, children and adolescents who have asthma can still lead quality, productive lives if they control their asthma. Asthma can be controlled by taking medication and by avoiding contact with environmental "triggers" for asthma. Environmental triggers include cockroaches, dust mites, furry pets, mold, tobacco smoke, and certain chemicals.

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