Statistics For Asthma

It is estimated that over 155 million people suffer from asthma throughout the world,

and because of industrial and social advancements the concentration of airborne pollution and allergens continues to rise, as does the number of newly diagnosed asthma cases. Asthma is present all around the world, however it is in the large technologically advanced countries such as America, the United Kingdom, Germany and Australia that the numbers are highest. Many think that this is related to the fact that these countries have high population statistics, especially in the big cities and that pollution is at an all time high.

In countries such as Africa and Asia the incidence of asthma is relatively low, and researchers now think that there may be a connection between diseases native to those countries, such as typhoid and malaria, and the fact that individuals seem to be protected from asthma. It may, however, simply be that airborne pollution from cars and industrial work is a lot lower in developing countries.

Below are a number of shocking statistics relating to the prevalence of asthma today:

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* Over half of all diagnosed cases of asthma are allergy related, that is they have a definite allergen cause.
* Over 6% of all Americans suffer from asthma while over 30% have some form of allergic condition.
* Between the years of 1984 and 1994 the prevalence of asthma in the USA rose by an amazing 75% and during the same period the number of asthma cases diagnosed in those under the age of 5 rose by over 160%.
* Asthma causes children to lose over 12 million school days each year and adults to loose over 13 million work days. It is reported to be one of the leading causes of absenteeism for both children and adults.
* Over 10 million visits are made to the family doctor each year because of asthmatic symptoms in both the USA and the UK. This makes it one of the top ten reasons to visit the doctor.
* Over 90% of asthma deaths are preventable, but the number of people who die as a result of asthma each year continues to rise. 
* Around 70% of all asthma sufferers also suffer from at least one other allergy such as eczema, hay fever, sinusitis or a food allergy.

The statistics go on and on, but they all point to the fact that despite billions of dollars being pumped into research each year, the problem of asthma is getting worse, not better. Similarly it would seem that even with early diagnosis and advancements in drug therapy thousands of people continue to die from the disease each and every year. Asthmatics need to learn how to live with their disease from the moment they are diagnosed, and this includes learning practical tips in addition to taking their prescribed medications.