Slightly more than 8 percent of Americans suffer from asthma, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which also found that factors like location and economic status can influence the development of the chronic illness.
Researchers used data from multiple health studies, including the National Health Interview Survey, to determine the state of asthma across the nation. Out of the 24.6 million people afflicted with asthma, the disease was found in higher concentrations among women, children, African-Americans and Puerto Ricans. The study also concluded that individuals living under the poverty line, as well as those located in the Midwest or Northeast regions of the country, are more likely to develop the illness.
According to the CDC report, there were 1.75 million asthma-related emergency room visits and 456,000 hospitalizations in 2007. Furthermore, asthma sufferers missed a total of 14.2 million days of work and 10.5 million days of school in 2008.
The Mayo Clinic reports that while there is no permanent cure for asthma, adhering to medications and avoiding risk factors like smoking and excessive weight gain can easily control its symptoms. Keep in mind that asthma is considered a pre-existing medical condition and can increase your health insurance and life insurance rates.
