Asthma is common chronic lung disease characterized by inflammation of the air passages resulting in the temporary narrowing of the airways that transport air from the nose and mouth to the lungs. Most common asthma symptoms include difficulty breathing, wheezing, coughing tightness in the chest. There is still no cure for asthma but proper prevention and treatment can make the difference. If both parents have asthma there are 70 % chances that their children will have asthma. If only one parent has it the chances are somewhere about 33%. Every day 11 people die from asthma in U.S. The incidence of asthma is highest among low-income populations that live near industrial areas. Asthma is the most common chronic condition among children. Asthma is more common among male children than female children but when it comes to adults it is more common among women than men. Asthma is about two times more common among children than adults. Women account for nearly 65% of total asthma deaths. African Americans are more likely to die from asthma than Caucasians. Asthma related costs are estimated at more than 17 $ billion each year. Asthma is the third-ranking cause of hospitalization for children. Asthma deaths occur in all age groups but the highest risk of dying from asthma is in the elderly population. Of people who had asthma as children, about half 'grow out of' the condition by the time they reach adulthood. Asthma is usually characterized as child disease which is not entirely true since 40 % asthma sufferers develop the condition after 18 years of age. Most people with asthma lead perfectly normal lives and can even participate competitively in sport. People with asthma are usually treated with inhalers. Inhalers deliver a small dose of medicine directly to the airways. The mortality rate for asthma is low, with around 6000 deaths per year compared to total number of some 10 million patients in the United States. Every day in U.S. about 40,000 people miss school or work due to asthma. source : Facts about asthma | Secrets of Healthy Life
