Query on asthma

How many people are presently suffering from asthma in the US? How much funds are spent each year on treating this disease?
(24 Jan 2008)

Asthma is a serious and chronic (long-term) medical condition that affects nearly 300 million people across the world. It is characterized by an inflammation of the bronchial tubes of the lungs, which are the main airways that bring in fresh oxygen to the body. The inflammation produces excess mucus in the lungs and causes the bronchial tubes to tighten, making it difficult to breathe.

These symptoms become worse during short-term ‘asthma attacks’, which are triggered by external stimuli such as pollution or allergens, or by stress. According to data published by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 16 million American adults (about 7.5% of the population) and 7 million children (about 9% of the population) were diagnosed with asthma in 2007. The cost to the American economy is also high; the CDC itself spent around 32 million dollars on the National Asthma Control Program in 2006. In terms of direct healthcare cost and indirect costs such as productive workdays lost, the economy was affected to the tune of nearly 20 billion dollars in 2007. There is also a human cost, with approximately 1.2 deaths per 100,000 Americans in 2006.

The main problem with asthma is that it has been impossible to discover why some people develop the condition, while others don’t. The current medical consensus is that asthma probably develops as a combination of environmental conditions and hereditary (genetic) background. Some of the factors that have been identified as ‘risk multipliers’ include secondhand smoke, frequent respiratory infections, urban air pollution, low birth weight, and obesity. Unfortunately, there is no medical cure for asthma, and medical treatment is focused on managing the symptoms. There are two categories of medication used for asthma: short-term drugs to treat life-threatening asthma attacks (commonly in the form of inhalers), and long-term medication to try and control the frequency of such attacks.

At home, treatment of asthma is dominated by attempts to reduce the patient’s exposure to any possible triggers of asthma attacks. There include airborne particles such as dust mites, pollen, mold, and smoke particles. In addition, cold air can cause a sudden constriction of the bronchial tubes, so patients are advised to maintain a warm room temperature. Many people are also allergic to certain drugs, chemicals, or foods such as peanuts and shellfish; these allergens need to be identified and avoided. When it comes to diet, caffeine helps (it dilates the bronchial tubes) as do hot peppers, which stimulate fluids to thin out the mucous, making it easier to cough up, clearing the lungs.

answered by M W on 6 Apr 2010, 4:41:16

Asthma Statistics: What You Need to Know

Asthma is a serious medical condition. It is nothing to leave untreated or undiagnosed. If you, your child or a loved one suffers from asthma, then you should know the facts. It may surprise you to learn that asthma is as prevalent as it is and that more males suffer from this illness than females. Here is a look at some other very interesting facts relating to asthma.

Millions suffer from asthma: Asthma and allergies often go hand in hand. Statistics show that one out of four Americans suffer from allergies, asthma or both. Over ten million of Americans suffer from asthma that is directly related to allergies. In fact, over 20 million Americans have asthma and those are numbers of people who are diagnosed. It is estimated that thousands more go left undiagnosed and untreated. The number of people who suffer from asthma rises every year and researchers believe it has something to do with the air quality.
Children and asthma: Children suffer from asthma more frequently than adults. Studies show that nine million children in America alone have been diagnosed with some form of asthma. Not all of these children have severe asthma, but do show some signs of the illness. Schools across the nation estimates that of children ages 5-17, just over 15 million school days are missed each year because of problems relating to asthma and almost half of the people that visit the hospital each year due to asthma are children.
Health care and asthma: There are many prescriptions and products available to help people live with their asthma. Many of these products are made to help control allergy related asthma attacks. In fact, over $10 billion dollars are spent each year for direct health care related to asthma. This includes costs for doctor’s visits, hospitalization, medications and other asthma related products. Of that money, over $5 billion is spent on prescription drugs to treat asthma.

These are the facts of asthma. It is important that you understand how this disease affects you and your family each year.

answered by A K on 24 Jan 2008, 5:59:02

Query on asthma

How many people are presently suffering from asthma in the US? How much funds are spent each year on treating this disease? (24 Jan 2008)

How many people are presently suffering from asthma in the US? How much funds are spent each year on treating this disease?
(24 Jan 2008)