Status of Childhood Asthma in the United States, 1980–2007

Abstract

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data were used to describe 1980 -2007 trends among children 0 to 17 years of age and recent patterns according to gender, race, and age. Asthma period prevalence increased by 4.6% per year from 1980 to 1996. New measures introduced in 1997 show a plateau at historically high levels; 9.1% of US children (6.7 million) currently had asthma in 2007. Ambulatory care visit rates fluctuated during the 1990s, whereas emergency department visits and hospitalization rates decreased slightly. Asthma-related death rates increased through the middle 1990s but decreased after 1999. Recent data showed higher prevalence among older children (11-17 years), but the highest rates of asthmarelated health care use were among the youngest children (0 -4 years). After controlling for racial differences in prevalence, disparities in adverse outcomes remained; among children with asthma, non-Hispanic black children had greater risks for emergency department visits and death, compared with non-Hispanic white children. For hospitalizations, for which Hispanic ethnicity data were not available, black children had greater risk than white children. However, nonemergency ambulatory care use was lower for non-Hispanic black children. Although the large increases in childhood asthma prevalence have abated, the burden remains large. Potentially avoidable adverse outcomes and racial disparities continue to present challenges. These findings suggest the need for sustained asthma prevention and control efforts for children. Pediatrics 2009;123:S131-S145

Tendência temporal de asma em crianças e adolescentes no Brasil no período de 1998 a 2008

“…In the United States, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention pointed to an increase of 4.6% from 1980 to 1996 and a stability in the prevalence of asthma in individuals aged between zero and 17 years, between 1997 and 2007. 1 By analyzing information from all countries that participated in the ISAAC, Pearce et al 15 observed an annual increase in asthma prevalence in adolescents that varied between 0.07% in Africa and 0.93% in Oceania. Only in the Indian subcontinent was there an annual decrease of 0.01%.…”

“…prevalence of asthma in childhood, with a reduction in mortality rates in the same period. 1 A study conducted by Pearce et al, 15 with data from the International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood (ISAAC), showed a reduction in asthma in English-speaking countries and Western Europe. In contrast, there was an increase in the asthma prevalence throughout the years in countries where the prevalence was considered to be low.…”

Prenatal Intake of Vitamins and Allergic Outcomes in the Offspring: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…asthma. For example, 402 wheezing is known as a primary symptom of asthma in early childhood 25 and 403 about 40% of childhood wheeze will persist later in life and will eventually 404 develop into asthma by 6 years of age 26 , indicating majority of wheeze during 405 infancy are in fact acute respiratory infection. Therefore, extended follow-up of 406 these trials could help to provide a clearer answer as to whether the vitamin D 407 intervention is beneficial for asthma prevention.…”

Fewer infants than older patients in paediatric randomised controlled trials

“…[27] In 2006 in the USA, 155 000 children were admitted for asthma and contributed 5.6% of all admitted children; there were also 593 000 emergency room visits of children for asthma, contributing 2.3% of all paediatric emergency room visits. [28] The numbers of admissions and visits were highest among the youngest patients and decreased with advancing age, although the prevalence of asthma was higher in school-age children and adolescents. [28] A hospital discharge survey performed in the USA in 2005 showed that 45% of neonates had at least one illness or risk-related diagnosis.…”

“…[28] The numbers of admissions and visits were highest among the youngest patients and decreased with advancing age, although the prevalence of asthma was higher in school-age children and adolescents. [28] A hospital discharge survey performed in the USA in 2005 showed that 45% of neonates had at least one illness or risk-related diagnosis. [29] Common diagnoses were perinatal jaundice (20%), respiratory conditions (11%), disorders related to prematurity (8%), and congenital anomalies (8%).…”