Asthma Statistics

Asthma is unfortunately one of those diseases for which there is still no cure. However, this does not mean that a person who has it cannot live a normal life. The key is that it should be diagnosed. It is one of those diseases that can be kept in strict control if it is diagnosed early enough.

The trouble is that early symptoms of asthma seem to be just fatigue, and is usually interpreted as such. As more and more time goes by with nothing being done to keep it under control, the more your chances are of getting a severe asthma attack. And, as the statistics show, over 5000 deaths a year are attributed to asthma attacks.

The frightening part, according to the statistics, is that even people with mild cases can have fatal attacks. This means that if it is too mild for the person to take asthma as a serious possibility, there is still a chance that it might be too late before he or she can make that choice.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI), in the past few years, the statistics have been alarming. Over twenty million people are reported to have asthma - and these are just the diagnosed cases. Even more frightening, the incidence of the disease among children has risen. Especially hard hit have been poor children in urban areas - a clear indication that atmospheric pollution and asthma are closely linked. Over 65% of reported cases all over the world are from America. That is definitely food for thought.

It has been observed that children whose parents have it are more likely to develop it, as well. In fact, asthma statistics show that about 40% of all children whose parents are prone to it develop the disease, as well.

In spite of all the bad news, the good news is that if it is diagnosed in time, it can be kept under control. Even if it is hereditary, you can feel sure that you can live a normal, active life. In fact, if it is hereditary, diagnosis will only become easier.

It is too easy to dismiss early stages of asthma as just breathing trouble, or getting out of shape. An attack that is quite mild can even be dismissed as a persistent and irritating common cold, or a bad case of flu. Once it is diagnosed, you can avoid things that will trigger attacks, and, with proper medication, it will not even be a real factor in your life.