Asthma has become a major public health problem in the United States. The number of persons affected by asthma has increased from 6.7 million in 1980 to an estimated 14.4 million in 1996, with nearly a third of these being children under 18 years of age. Over 5000 persons die from asthma each year and asthma was responsible for 450,000 hospitalizations and 1.5 million emergency department visits. The impact of asthma, as measured by mortality, hospitalization, and emergency department visit rates, is disproportionately severe among minority populations, particularly among African Americans.
Since the causes of the increased prevalence of asthma are unknown, programmatic efforts are aimed at reducing the impact among those who have already developed asthma. CDC, in collaboration with federal, state, and local government partners as well as non governmental organizations, is undertaking a public health program to reduce the burden of asthma. The components of this program include surveillance, effective public health interventions, and working through partnerships at the local, state, and national level. These programs are aimed at improving the medical and environmental management of persons with asthma, resulting in improved quality of life, fewer days with symptoms, and reduced need for emergency medical care.
Learning Objectives: To understand the epidemiologic trends of asthma in the United States and the issues relating taking a public health approach to controlling asthma.
Keywords: Asthma, Environmental Health
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.