Asthma affects an estimated 30 million people in the U.S. It affects minority, low income and inner-city groups more than any others.
Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood. Nine million (12 percent) of children in the U.S. have asthma. Of all chronic diseases in children, asthma is the leading cause of hospital admission and is a significant cause of school absenteeism. Despite advances in understanding asthma and asthma management, illness and death rates continue to rise.
Patient and family education has been recognized as one of the four components of asthma management by the National Asthma Education Program Expert Panel convened by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. The panel's guidelines advocate education to give patients the motivation, skills and confidence to control their asthma.
Learn about a Children's patient story and view these frequently asked questions about children and asthma, or watch an educational video teaching the importance of asthma control.
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