Fast Facts:

• Asthma is a major public health problem that is growing in America -- 31.3 million Americans have been diagnosed, representing a 25% increase since 1999.


• Asthma is a huge burden economically costing $183 million in direct medical costs and $140 million in indirect costs (ie, lost work days to care for child) in 2005, according to the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America.


• Asthma is the leading reason for children to miss school (14 million lost school days annually) and be hospitalized.


• Nationwide, in a classroom of 30 children – 3 or more are likely to have asthma.  Asthma can affect a child’s education due to lost sleep, limited participation in classroom and school activities, and missed days.


• In Ohio, about 12% of adults and 13% of children have asthma.


• Between 16 – 32% of children with no known asthma diagnosis reported symptoms consistent with asthma in some Cleveland schools.

National:
Allergy Asthma & Immunology – clinical resources for consumers and professionals

Allergy & Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics – resources  and information for consumers and professionals, 1-800-878-4403

American Lung Association – national lung help line, 1-800-548-8252

Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America – resources and information for consumers, 1-800-727-8462

State:
American Lung Association of Ohio – resources for consumers and professionals, 1-800-548-8252

Pharmaceuticals:
AstraZeneca – information on Pulmicort for consumers

GlaxoSmithKline – information on Advair and asthma and allergies for consumers

Merck – information on Singulair and asthma and allergies for consumers

Novartis – information on Foradil Aerolizer and Xolair for consumers

Pfizer – information on Zyrtec and Spiriva for consumers

Language:
Health Info Translations – translated medical materials, including asthma, in 13 languages