Asthma update '97

摘要

Asthma is a chronic condition whose prevalence and mortality are increasing despite improved understanding of its physiology and treatment. Asthma affects 10 percent of the population of the United States-an increase of over 40 percent in the past decade-and produces significant death and loss of productivity. Once considered an illness of children, asthma is equally common after age 65, when it may be underdiagnosed and treated. Mortality has doubled since 1978, with a disproportionate increase in indigent urban areas. Rising mortality is linked to air pollution, overuse of medications and inadequate education as to its causes, mechanisms and management.