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Changing asthma mortality
1Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC.
Annals of Allergy
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Asthma mortality rates in the US rose significantly from 1977 to 1991, particularly in younger populations and Black individuals. A recent plateau may indicate improved asthma management strategies are effective.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Asthma mortality rates in the United States have shown a consistent upward trend since 1978.
- This trend necessitates an investigation into the factors influencing asthma-related deaths.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze recent trends in asthma mortality within the United States.
- To compare these trends with international data from other developed nations.
Main Methods:
- Utilized national mortality data (ICD 493) and population statistics from the US National Center for Health Statistics and Bureau of the Census.
- Incorporated international asthma mortality data from Australia, Canada, Great Britain, and New Zealand.
- Calculated and graphed mortality rates by age, race, sex, region, and state.
Main Results:
- US asthma mortality rates increased from 0.8/100,000 in 1977-78 to 2.0/100,000 in 1991, with a slight dip in 1990.
- Rates were consistently higher for Black individuals compared to White individuals, with age-adjusted rates increasing significantly for both groups.
- Mortality rates increased with age and across most age groups, with the largest proportional rise seen in the 10-14 age group.
Conclusions:
- The recent stabilization in US asthma mortality rates suggests potential effectiveness of enhanced asthma management protocols.
- Increased awareness and implementation of optimal asthma care may be contributing factors to this plateau.