This page is part of my service learning research on pediatric asthma for my JOMC 50 class. Below is some basic information with links to other good online resources about pediatric asthma.

ASTHMA IN CHILDREN

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that affects approximately 17 million americans and inflicts tremendous social and economic burden on the United States (American Lung Association, 2003). The disease is especially prevalent among young children. Asthma is a chronic lung disease that presently has no cure, but is a very treatable condition. The onset of asthma can occur at any time in one's life. In recent years, the sheer number of adults and children with asthma has increased, as well as the number of asthma-related deaths (Raskin, 2000). Children are more susceptible to environmental influences, and therefore asthma.

Some quick facts

Asthma affects 5.3 million children in the United States (American Lung Association, 2003).

Asthma affects 1 out of 9 children in the United States (Wood, 2002, p.1).

In the last 15 years, the rate of asthma in children has risen 160% (Raskin, 2000).

Asthma attacks account for 1/3 of all emergency trips by children (Raskin, 2000).

Pediatric asthma costs the United States some $3.2 billion each year (Raskin, 2000)

Asthma accounts for more school-related absences than any other disease (Raskin, 2000).

Children with asthma are often misdiagnosed with respiratory problems, but not asthma (Halfon &Newacheck, 2000).

Such alarming statistics indicate why pediatric asthma deserves our attention. Asthma affects more than a child's health. Research shows that the disease also impacts a child's social relationships and self-esteem (Halfon & Newacheck, 2000, p. 237).

Online Resources

Below are links to some credible web sites on asthma and particularly pediatric asthma.

Breathing Easy: Solutions in Pediatric Asthma

This site connects to a scholarly article and contains very detailed information about children with asthma from the Maternal and Child Health Library. This site is good for statistics. Unlike many other sources it also contains information regarding why pediatric asthma is a significant health concern and also provides recommendations for public health policy initiatives.

Children's Health: Asthma in Children

This site provides more user-friendly information regarding asthma and children. This is an extremely helpful site for parents with questions about their children's disease. This site answers basic questions about what asthma is and how to manage the condition.

MedLinePlus: Children and Asthma

This site is part of a extensive health database from the U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institute of Health. This link provides links to the latest news, as well as other links to general information, disease management, symptoms, prevention, and research.

My full-length article

Complete article on Pediatric Asthma

Annotated Bibliography on Pediatric Asthma