How Many Kids Have Asthma? A Closer Look at Asthma Rates in Children
Asthma is one of the most common chronic conditions affecting children today. Approximately 6.1 million children under 18 years of age have asthma in the United States. That’s about 1 in 12 children or 8.4% of the pediatric population. But what’s behind these statistics? And how can we bring these numbers down? This article will take a closer look at asthma rates in children and provide key information for parents, doctors, and public health professionals.
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic lung disease characterized by inflammation of the airways. This inflammation causes the airways to swell and narrow, making it difficult to breathe. Asthma attacks or flare-ups can range from mild to life-threatening. Symptoms often include:
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness
During an asthma attack, the muscles around the airways tighten, the airways become inflamed and swollen, and mucus clogs the airways. A child having an asthma episode may have trouble breathing, appear anxious, sit hunched over, and have a rapid heartbeat.
What Causes Asthma in Children?
Researchers don’t fully understand why some children develop asthma while others don’t. It likely involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Potential triggers include:
- Family history of asthma or allergies
- Exposure to tobacco smoke or air pollution
- Respiratory infections in early childhood
- Underdeveloped immune system
Children exposed to substances they’re allergic to are also more prone to developing asthma. Common asthma triggers include:
- Dust mites
- Pet dander
- Pollen
- Mold
- Cockroach droppings
- Air pollution
- Respiratory infections
When exposed to these triggers, the airways become inflamed and asthma symptoms can flare up. Avoiding known triggers is an important part of managing asthma.
Asthma Rates in Children
Asthma is the most common chronic condition among children in the United States. Approximately 6.1 million children under 18 years of age have asthma. This represents:
- 8.4% of all children
- 9.4% of school-aged children (ages 5-17)
- 5.5% of children ages 0-4 years
Table 1. Number of Children with Asthma by Age Group
| Age Group | Number with Asthma | Percent with Asthma |
|---|---|---|
| 0-4 years | 1.3 million | 5.5% |
| 5-17 years | 4.8 million | 9.4% |
| Under 18 years | 6.1 million | 8.4% |
Boys have higher rates of asthma compared to girls:
- Boys – 6.5 million, or 9.2%
- Girls – 5.5 million, or 7.4%
The rate of childhood asthma has increased dramatically since the 1980s. Some potential reasons include increased air pollution, inhaled allergens, obesity rates, and sensitivity to respiratory infections. However, asthma rates have stabilized in recent years.
Childhood asthma remains a critical public health concern in the U.S. It’s a leading cause of missed school days and hospitalizations. Asthma control is imperative to allow children to live active, healthy lives.
Asthma Prevalence by Ethnicity
Asthma prevalence differs significantly among various ethnic groups of children in America. The groups with the highest asthma rates include:
- Puerto Rican children – 16.1%
- African American children – 11.7%
- Non-Hispanic white children – 7.5%
Table 2. Asthma Prevalence by Race/Ethnicity
| Race/Ethnicity | Asthma Prevalence |
|---|---|
| Puerto Rican | 16.1% |
| African American | 11.7% |
| Non-Hispanic white | 7.5% |
| Mexican American | 5.3% |
| Asian American | 4.7% |
Multiracial children also have elevated asthma rates at 10.2%. The reasons for these disparities are complex. Contributing factors likely include poverty, lack of health insurance, air pollution, stress, and limited access to medical care. Addressing these social determinants of health is crucial for reducing asthma’s burden among minority children.
Childhood Asthma by State
Childhood asthma rates vary greatly by state across the United States. The states with the highest prevalence include:
Table 3. States with Highest Childhood Asthma Rates
| State | Childhood Asthma Rate | Overall U.S. Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 11.7% | 8.4% |
| New York | 10.3% | 8.4% |
| Mississippi | 10.0% | 8.4% |
| New Mexico | 9.8% | 8.4% |
| West Virginia | 9.7% | 8.4% |
In contrast, states with the lowest childhood asthma rates include:
Table 4. States with Lowest Childhood Asthma Rates
| State | Childhood Asthma Rate | Overall U.S. Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Montana | 5.9% | 8.4% |
| Wyoming | 6.7% | 8.4% |
| Idaho | 6.8% | 8.4% |
| North Dakota | 6.8% | 8.4% |
| Utah | 7.1% | 8.4% |
Some reasons for the geographical variances include air pollution levels, smoking rates, poverty levels, pollen counts, and access to medical care. These discrepancies demonstrate the roles that environmental and socioeconomic factors play in childhood asthma rates.
Global Childhood Asthma Rates
Asthma affects children worldwide. Globally, asthma prevalence ranges from less than 2% to over 20% across different countries. According to the Global Asthma Report 2018:
- Approximately 5.5 million children have asthma symptoms worldwide
- Over 80% of asthma-related deaths occur in low and lower-middle income countries
The countries with the highest asthma rates among children globally include:
- Australia – 20%
- United Kingdom – 18%
- Costa Rica – 13%
- New Zealand – 11%
- Ireland – 11%
The lowest rates are found in regions such as China, Indonesia, Greece, and Spain. Global inequities in health care access significantly impact outcomes for children with asthma across borders. Addressing these disparities could greatly improve asthma control and save lives.
Diagnosing Asthma in Children
Diagnosing asthma in children requires a medical examination by a pediatrician or asthma specialist. They will take a full medical history, ask about symptoms, perform a physical exam of the chest and lungs, and administer breathing tests. Common diagnostic tests include:
Spirometry Test
- Measures how much air you can breathe out and how fast
- Indicates airway obstruction consistent with asthma
Peak Expiratory Flow Test
- Measures how fast you can exhale
- Helps track lung function over time
Methacholine Challenge Test
- Measures airway sensitivity
- Helps diagnose asthma that has few obvious symptoms
Allergy Testing
- Pinpoints specific environmental triggers that may worsen asthma
- Can include skin or blood tests
Early and accurate diagnosis allows for better asthma management. The goals are to control chronic inflammation and prevent asthma attacks.
Childhood Asthma Management
Managing asthma in children involves medication, avoiding triggers, and monitoring breathing symptoms. Types of medications include:
Long-Term Control Medications
- Taken daily to control inflammation and prevent symptoms
- Include inhaled corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers, and long-acting bronchodilators
Quick-Relief Medications
- Used as needed for rapid, temporary symptom relief
- Include short-acting bronchodilators that quickly widen airways
Identifying and avoiding asthma triggers is also key. Common strategies include:
- Limiting contact with allergens and irritants
- Using air filters and ventilation systems
- Not allowing smoking in the home
- Keeping pets out of bedrooms
- Vacuuming often
Doctors may provide personalized action plans advising when and how to adjust medications and seek emergency care based on symptoms and peak expiratory flow measurements. Ongoing medical oversight is vital for staying healthy.
Conclusion: Working Together for Better Asthma Control
Childhood asthma remains an urgent public health problem affecting over 6 million children across the United States. Prevalence is rising, and significant disparities exist between states and ethnic groups. Addressing the root causes of these inequities is essential. With proper diagnosis, treatment, education, and public health measures, we can improve asthma outcomes, reduce attacks and hospitalizations, and enable children to live to their fullest potential. This requires bringing together health professionals, parents, schools, governments, and communities to provide comprehensive, compassionate care to children dealing with this chronic lung disease.