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Epidemiology of asthma
Michael B Keller1, Steven R Lowenstein
1University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver 80262, USA.
Seminars in Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
|August 10, 2005
Summary
Asthma prevalence, morbidity, and mortality are increasing globally, particularly in Western nations. Understanding genetic and environmental factors is crucial for developing effective interventions to reverse these trends.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Asthma presents a significant public health challenge, with rising prevalence, morbidity, and mortality despite advances in understanding its pathophysiology and management.
- Historical epidemiological studies faced limitations due to the lack of standardized asthma definitions and a definitive diagnostic gold standard.
- Recent international research has provided more robust epidemiological data on asthma, addressing previous methodological challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize current epidemiological findings on asthma, including global prevalence, trends in morbidity and mortality, and associated risk factors.
- To highlight the complex interplay of genetic and environmental determinants in asthma etiology.
- To emphasize the critical role of continued epidemiological research in informing interventions to mitigate adverse asthma trends.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of international epidemiological studies on asthma.
- Review of data on asthma prevalence, morbidity (emergency visits, hospitalizations, medication use), and mortality.
- Examination of factors contributing to asthma etiology, including genetic and environmental influences.
Main Results:
- Significant global variation in asthma prevalence exists, with highest rates in Western, English-speaking countries.
- The United States has seen a nearly 75% increase in asthma prevalence over the past two decades, disproportionately affecting young children, Black, and Hispanic populations.
- Worldwide increases in asthma morbidity and, to a lesser extent, mortality are observed.
Conclusions:
- Asthma is increasingly recognized as a complex disease influenced by both genetic predispositions and environmental exposures, particularly during early immune system development.
- Specific timing of allergic or infectious exposures in childhood may increase asthma risk.
- Continued epidemiological research is essential for developing targeted interventions to reverse concerning trends in asthma.