Asthma is now considered a global epidemic. The number of people with asthma and the severity of this disease continue to grow in many parts of the world, primarily in highly developed countries. According to the American Lung Association, more than 20 million Americans are currently living with asthma. Asthma is the most common chronic disorder in childhood affecting an estimated 6.2 million children under the age of 18. In 2002, there were 4,261 deaths due to asthma.

Asthma is a chronic (persisting over a long period of time) inflammation of the airways with reversible episodes of obstruction. An attack is triggered by an increased reaction of the airways to various causes, such as infection, allergies, exposure to cold, cigarette smoke, excitement, stress, and/or vigorous exercise.

With proper management, asthma can be controlled and the person can lead a normal life.

(Information provided from the American Lung Association Web Site)

Asthma Action Plan

The National Asthma Education and Prevention Program recommends that all people with asthma have a written action plan outlining their daily controller medications, if any, and the medications to be used when asthma symptoms worsen. The asthma action plan attached is approved by the Virginia Asthma Coalition (VAC) as well as the Virginia Department of Education for use in schools in Virginia. It may also be used for adults and children not in school. Health care providers, school nurses, and the public may access the action plan here (Asthma Action Plan) or at the VAC website (www.virginiaasthma.org) or the Virginia Department of Education (www.doe.virginia.gov).

Recent News:

May 11, 2009: WSLS story - Local study finds factors that lead to better Asthma control

* Chart represents Adults who have ever been told they have asthma

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, Prevalence Data http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/brfss/index.asp | http://www.vahealth.org

The Heart Disease Death Rate in the chart above includes these diseases of the heart: hypertensive and cerebrovascular diseases, atherosclerosis, and other diseases of the arteries, arterioles, and capillaries

The asthma rate mentioned in the chart above is based on hospital discharge information categorized by zip code. The report’s authors caution that the “level of admissions may indicate access to health care issues, lack of insurance, few options for service, or the presence of social issues that can influence patient adherence to medical regimes (homelessness, inconsistent caregivers, etc).

¹ Indicators of Healthy Communities 2003”, The Virginia Center for Healthy Communities in collaboration with the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association. http://67.92.69.86/atlas.aspx

Additional Information:
American Lung Association
American Lung Association of Virginia
Virginia Asthma Coalition
Virginia Asthma Control Project

Additional asthma resources may be found on our Resources page