Nearly one-quarter of kids diagnosed with asthma in seven CA counties
In seven California counties, more than 22% of children have been diagnosed with asthma at some point in their lives, according to 2011-2012 parental report data newly posted on kidsdata.org.
One of the most common chronic diseases among children, asthma is a leading cause of hospitalizations and absences from school. In 2012, there were over 10,000 hospitalizations for asthma in California involving children/youth under age 18.
Statewide, the 2012 asthma hospitalization rate for children ages 0-17 was 11.7 per 10,000 individuals, but county rates varied, ranging from 5.1 to as high as 30.6 per 10,000. Asthma hospitalization rates also vary among age groups; rates are highest for the youngest children, ages 0-4.
Many factors account for variation in asthma rates by region, including demographics, socioeconomics, the environment, physician diagnostic practices, and access to care.
Asthma often can be managed with medication, trigger avoidance, and regular medical monitoring. However, children with asthma may experience repeated absences from school when their asthma flares up. Children without access to regular medical care are more likely to suffer from serious episodes that may result in trips to the emergency room and hospitalization.
Read more about child asthma in California, including policy implications>>
See Asthma Data in California
Asthma Diagnoses
Asthma Hospitalizations, by Age Group
Helpful Links
Asthma, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Asthma and Air Pollution, California Environmental Protection Agency, Air Resources Board
Asthma in Children and Adolescents Knowledge Path, Maternal and Child Health Library at Georgetown University
California Breathing: Initiatives and Information for Asthma Advocates in California, California Department of Public Health, Environmental Health Investigations Branch
California Environmental Health Tracking Program: Asthma
Regional Asthma Management and Prevention (RAMP)
Asthma in California: A Surveillance Report, California Department of Public Health
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Asthma Diagnoses (2011-2012)
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