From Our 2011 Archives
Asthma a Problem for Millions
About 25 Million People in U.S. Have Asthma, Study Finds
Reviewed By Laura J. Martin, MD
Jan. 12, 2011 -- Asthma takes a heavy toll on Americans, causing thousands of deaths and sending nearly 2 million people to emergency rooms for treatment each year, a new report finds.
In addition, asthma prevalence is higher among females, children, African-Americans, Puerto Ricans, people living below the poverty level, and residents of the Northeast and Midwest, says the report by the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics.
According to the report:
Asthma Differences Among Population Subgroups
Study authors say there are significant differences in asthma prevalence among various subgroups in the population. Females are more likely than males to have asthma, though boys have a higher prevalence than girls up to age 17. Also, compared with white people, asthma prevalence is higher among blacks and lower among Asians.
Other key findings:
Asthma Rates Higher in Northeast
Researchers say there is no difference in asthma prevalence rates between metropolitan area residents and people who live outside of metro areas.
Geographically, however, people in the Northeast are more likely to have asthma than people in the West and South. Prevalence also is greater in the Midwest than the South.
Asthma prevalence remains at historically high levels even though increases in prevalence slowed in the mid-1990s, the authors report.
SOURCES: National Center for Health Statistics, Statistical Bulletin, Jan. 12, 2011.Akinbami, L. National Health Statistics Reports, Jan. 12, 2011; no 32.
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