Asthma & Adults

In 2004, it was estimated that 20.5 million Americans currently have asthma. Of these, 11.7 million Americans (4 million children under 18) had an asthma attack.¹ Close to 1.8 million emergency room visits were attributed to asthma in 2004.² In 2004, asthma accounted for an estimated 14.5 million lost work days in adults.³

• Asthma breathing problems usually happen in "episodes" or "attacks," but the inflammation underlying asthma is continuous. An asthma episode is a series of events that result in narrowed airways. These include: swelling of the lining, tightening of the muscle, and increased secretion of mucus in the airway. The narrowed airway is responsible for the difficulty in breathing with the familiar "wheeze."
• Lung function declines faster than average in people with asthma, particularly in people who smoke and in those with excessive mucus production (an indicator of poor treatment control).
• Asthma medications help reduce underlying inflammation in the airways and relieve or prevent symptomatic airway narrowing. Control of inflammation should lead to reduction in airway sensitivity and help prevent airway obstruction.
• Despite the numerous drugs available, asthma is still poorly controlled. One study reported that 72 percent of men and 86 percent of women with asthma had symptoms 15 years after they were first diagnosed with the disease. Only 19 percent of these people, however, were still seeing a doctor and only 32 percent used any medication to regularly manage their asthma.⁴
• A recent survey found that 48 percent of people with asthma say that the disease limits their ability to take part in sports and recreation, 36 percent say it limits their normal physical exertion and 25 percent say it interferes with their social activities.⁵
• Asthma is characterized by extreme sensitivity of the lungs to various stimuli. Triggers vary from viral infections to allergies, to irritating gases and particles in the air. Each person reacts differently to asthma triggers, including:
  • respiratory infections, colds
  • cigarette smoke
  • allergic reactions to such allergens as pollen, mold, animal dander, feather, dust, food, and cockroaches
  • indoor and outdoor air pollutants, including ozone
  • exposure to cold air or sudden temperature change
  • excitement/stress
  • exercise
• Within the last few years, mortality (death) and hospitalizations due to asthma have decreased and asthma prevalence (frequency) has stabilized, possibly indicating a better level of disease management, such as increased use of inhaled steroids.
• Asthma medications help reduce underlying inflammation in the airways and relieve or prevent airway narrowing. Control of inflammation should lead to reduction in airway sensitivity and help prevent airway obstruction.