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Asthma Asthma is a disease of the lungs in which the airways become blocked or narrowed causing breathing difficulty. This chronic disease affects nearly 20 millions Americans. Asthma and allergies strike 1 out of 4 Americans (2003). A little over twelve percent (12.2%) of Pennsylvania adults in 2006 reported having been told by a doctor that they had asthma (BRFSS). As asthma is a chronic condition without a cure at present, this indicates a need for education with this population. With proper management, people can live healthy and active lives. Insert graphics here (2006 Asthma BRFSS data) 14% of Pennsylvania children (approximately 403,000) indicate that they have been told at some point in their lives that they have asthma. 10.1% of Pennsylvania children (approximately 291,000) indicate that they currently have asthma (Source: 2005 BRFSS). 9.8% total students enrolled in Pennsylvania schools (201,088 out of an average daily enrollment of 2,043,096) report having physician diagnosed asthma (Source: PA School Health Statistics 2003/04).
Asthma Prevalence
Source: BRFSS CDC Prevalence Data
Numbers based on SOTA received from American Lung Association There is currently an asthma epidemic nationwide. Over the past twenty years, we have witnessed historic strides in the treatment and management of asthma. These new techniques have dramatically improved the quality of life for those living with the disease. Despite these historic strides, asthma is now the leading chronic illness among children and contributes to a half of a million hospitalizations every year (Department of Health and Human Services). The economic cost of asthma nationwide is staggering; 16.1 million dollars annually (NHLBI Chartbook, 2004).
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