Epidemiology of Asthma

Abstract

Epidemiology of asthma is discussed in terms of the prevalence, risk factors associated with increasing morbidity and mortality, impact on life-style, long-term prognosis, and economic impact. Those most at risk for development of asthma are young children, African Americans, and those in lower economic status and inner-city communities. The primary contributing factor to increasing morbidity and mortality is undertreatment. Contributing factors may be restricted access to continuing medical care, unstable family situations, cultural and language barriers, failure to recognize severity of the disease, and inability to afford care.