December 12th, 2017
Asthma is a chronic inflammation of the airways that causes episodes of wheezing, coughing,and difficulty in breathing. It is among the most common diseases in the U.S. An estimated 15 million people suffer with asthma, and it is estimated to cost the nation about $12.7 billion each year. The disease often begins in childhood and is one of the leading causes of school absence, missed workdays, emergency room visits, and hospitalizations. Between 1980 and1 994, self-reported asthma prevalence rates increased 75% in the U.S., with increases evident in all age groups. The causes of asthma are unknown. What we do know is that indoor and outdoor environmental conditions can exacerbate the disease. Environmental factors such as air pollution, mold and mildew, dust, pets, climate, cigarette smoke, and certain respiratory illnesses can trigger asthma attacks. There is speculation that environmental conditions may even contribute to the onset of asthma. It is clear that there is still a great deal more to belearned about causation and exacerbation. Permission granted from the New EnglandAsthma Regional Council