Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026
14:39
Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
Stabilization of asthma mortality
1Section of Allergy and Immunology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA.
Summary
Asthma mortality rates in the US have increased significantly since 1978, particularly for Black individuals and white females. While rates have stabilized for most ages since 1988, improvements in asthma management are crucial for reducing deaths.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Asthma mortality rates in the United States have shown an upward trend since 1978.
- This trend necessitates an evaluation of recent patterns in asthma-related deaths.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and evaluate recent trends in asthma mortality.
- To analyze demographic disparities in asthma death rates.
Main Methods:
- Utilized National Center for Health Statistics data (ICD 493) for asthma deaths in the US.
- Incorporated US Census Bureau population data for age-specific and age-adjusted rate calculations.
- Included international data from Australia, Canada, Great Britain, and New Zealand for comparative analysis.
Main Results:
- US asthma death rates rose from 0.8 per 100,000 in 1977-1978 to 2.1 in 1994.
- Age-adjusted rates for Black individuals increased from 1.5 to 3.7, while white rates rose from 0.5 to 1.2 between 1977-1978 and 1994.
- Significant disparities observed, with higher rates in Black populations compared to white, and among white females compared to white males.
Conclusions:
- Asthma death rates have stabilized at over 50% higher than 1979 levels since 1988 for most age groups.
- Significant racial and gender disparities persist, suggesting potential differences in prevalence, severity, or diagnostic accuracy.
- Enhanced asthma management strategies are recommended to mitigate mortality.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: β2-Adrenoceptor Agonists
Bronchodilators are critical in managing asthma, a chronic respiratory condition characterized by airway constriction due to inflammation and hyper-reactivity. Specifically, bronchodilators ease this constriction by relaxing the bronchial muscles, facilitating easier breathing.
One class of bronchodilators includes β2-adrenoceptor agonists. These agents target the β2-adrenoceptors located on bronchial smooth muscle cells. By stimulating these receptors, β2-agonists induce relaxation in these...
One class of bronchodilators includes β2-adrenoceptor agonists. These agents target the β2-adrenoceptors located on bronchial smooth muscle cells. By stimulating these receptors, β2-agonists induce relaxation in these...
01:19Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers
Leukotriene modifiers, or cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonists, are medications used to manage chronic asthma. These agents target specific inflammatory mediators produced during arachidonic acid metabolism, an essential process in generating inflammation in the body.
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms:
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms:
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition for which new therapeutic avenues, including anti-inflammatory drugs like mast cell stabilizers and anti-IgE treatments, continue to be developed.
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
01:24Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma
Classification of Asthma
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes: