Asthma in Children

In the United States, asthma is a major public health problem of increasing concern.  Asthma prevalence among children increased on average 4.3% each year from 3.6% to 6.2% from 1980 to 1996.  Low-income populations, minorities and children living in inner cities experience much higher morbidity and mortality rates due to asthma.  Asthma's effects on children and teens include the following:

1. Asthma accounts for 14 million missed days of school annually.
2. It is the third-ranking cause of hospitalization among people 15 years and younger.
3. In 1979, 93 children died from asthma in 1996 that number had increased nearly threefold to 266.
4. It costs nearly $3.2 billion dollars each year to treat asthma in patients younger than 18 years of age. 

Presently, there are no preventative measures or cures for asthma; however, children and adolescents who suffer the disease can still lead quality, productive lives if the asthma is controlled.  It can be controlled by taking medication and by avoiding contact with environmental "triggers" for asthma.  These triggers include dust mites, cockroaches, furry pets, mold, tobacco smoke and certain chemicals.