Prevalence of Asthma
More women than men are afflicted in mid-life.
Asthma and bronchitis are chronic respiratory diseases that affect millions of Americans. Asthma is usually associated with adolescents and near-fatal asthma attacks are highest in the 12- to 15-year age group, due to teens’ lack of knowledge about the disease and their unfamiliarity with signs that their asthma is worsening. However, asthma and bronchitis are also important public health concerns in the older population.
Gender Differences
As the chart shows, from the ages of 45–74, there is a significant difference in the prevalence of asthma and chronic bronchitis between men and women. Women are far more likely than men to be afflicted. Then, for reasons not well understood, prevalence among men above 75 years of age dramatically rises while there is a sharp drop among women.
Rising Incidence
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the prevalence, morbidity and mortality due to asthma are increasing in the United States (see CE article in this issue). The problem is particularly acute in the inner city. In the 1980s, mortality, which had continued to fall the previous decade, rose by 6.2% per year. In 1993-94, asthma was the sixth most frequently diagnosed disease in patients who saw a physician and 11th most frequent reason for visits to emergency rooms.
Prevention
The National Asthma Education and Prevention Program was established to place greater emphasis on prevention and long-term management of asthma. There have been changes in treatment strategies as well. Between 1980-81 and 1993-94, the use of corticosteroids rose substantially. Beta-2 adrenergic agonists are increasingly the medication of choice in bronchodilators. Metered dose inhalers are undergoing changes as chlorofluorocarbons are being phased out.
The key to successful treatment of chronic respiratory diseases is finding an effective drug and dosage plan for the patient’s long-term therapy.
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