Prevalence from a World Perspective (2004)
*Based on "Global Burden of Asthma", 2004
A general trend is that the most developed and industrialized countries such as the United States, Canada, England, Australia, and New Zealand have the greatest prevalence. In addition, highly industrialized areas within countries that are not nearly as industrialized from an overall standpoint also have relatively high prevalence. Finally, South Africa, Brazil, and Peru are other countries that have a relatively high prevalence. Based on this map, it would appear that there is a relationship between the degree of westernization and prevalence of asthma.
- It is estimated that 300 million people suffer from asthma throughout the world.
Fatalities from a World Perspective (2004)
*Based on "Global Burden of Asthma", 2004
It is interesting to note that the relationship is opposite for fatalities. That is, the most westernized countries generally have a lower death rate, while the least westernized countries generally have a higher death rate. Russia is a prime example. This underscores the importance of proper treatment. A high prevalence of asthma does not automatically translate to a high fatality rate.
United States: Prevalence Map (2001-2005 annual average)
*Based on "The State of Childhood Asthma, United States 1980-2005"
There are a plethora of conclusions that can be made from this map. Most notably, it can be said that prevalence rates are higher in the Northeast region. Some factors that can influence this data include not only climate and air quality, but accuracy of diagnosis as well as the characteristics and admixture of the population.
- In 2002, prevalence in adult females was nearly 30% more than that of males.
- Between 1982-1996, prevalence increased by 97% amongst adult females, while only 22% amongst adult men.
- On average, asthma is approximately 25% more prevalent in African American children than in white children.
- According to a statistic ran by the National Center for Health Statistics in 2005, 23 million adults and 9 million children in the United States have been diagnosed with asthma at some point in their life. As such, with an estimated population of 300 million in the United States, approximately 10.3% of the US population has been diagnosed with asthma.
On an average day in America . . .
- 40,000 asthmatics miss school or work
- 30,000 asthmatics experience an asthma attack
- 5,000 asthmatics see the emergency room
- 1,000 asthmatics go to the hospital
- 11 ashmatics die
The top 10 US cities with the harshest conditions for asthmatics . . .
- Atlanta, GA
- Philadelphia, PA
- Raleigh, NC
- Knoxville, TN
- Harrisburg, PA
- Grand Rapids, MI
- Milwaukee, WI
- Greensboro, NC
- Scranton, PA
- Little Rock, AR
