Related Experiment Videos
Trends in asthma mortality in Japan
Yuko Ito1, Akiko Tamakoshi, Kenji Wakai
1Second Department of Internal Medicine, Nagoya University School of Medicine, 6 Japan. yuko@med.nagoya-u.ac.jp
Summary
Asthma mortality in Japan decreased overall from 1950-1997, but increased in young adults (5-34 years) since 1980. Overuse of beta 2-agonists may explain this rise in asthma deaths.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Asthma mortality is rising globally.
- Understanding Japan's asthma mortality trends is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze epidemiological features of asthma mortality in Japan from 1950-1997.
- To identify trends and contributing factors in asthma deaths.
Main Methods:
- Utilized national vital statistics data (1950-1997).
- Analyzed crude, age-adjusted, and age-specific asthma mortality rates.
- Examined age and birth cohort effects using multiplicative models.
Main Results:
- Overall asthma mortality rates decreased from 1950-1997.
- Mortality rates increased in the 5-34 year age group since 1980.
- A rise in mortality was observed in cohorts born after 1950.
- Higher asthma mortality rates were noted in males than females.
Conclusions:
- While overall asthma mortality declined, a concerning increase occurred in young adults.
- Potential overuse of beta 2-agonists may be linked to the rise in asthma deaths.
- Further research into asthma management and medication use is warranted.