The Rate of Asthma Attacks in Children is Dropping: What’s the Cause of the Drop

According to a recent study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, otherwise known as the CDC, the prevalence of asthma for American kids has dropped in the last few years. They are basing this on several factors, including the lower admissions to hospitals for children have asthma attacks and fewer school days missed due to asthma attacks.

What do these stats really mean and what is the cause? Read on to get more details about the study as well as the perspective of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group. If you or your child suffers from asthma then we encourage you to contact us at 805-658-9500 to find out about a wealth of treatment options that may be available to you.

More about the study in question

The CDC study showed that more than 61% of children with asthma had an asthma attack in 2001. However, in 2016 fewer than 54% of children with asthma had an asthma attack. This is impressive enough, but when you also consider that in 2003 about 10% of children with asthma were admitted to the hospital, that number dropped to just 5% in 2013.

The rate of asthma has not reduced

While the rate of hospitalized children with asthma attacks has gone down, the rate of children who have asthma hasn’t gone done. Why is that? There are some ideas. Some experts say that more children work with allergy doctors who can help them create an action plan that prevents full-blown attacks. Children are also more likely to understand the symptoms of asthma and to respond before the situation becomes life threatening.

Other statistics about asthma attacks that may surprise you

The CDC report found some other interesting information. First, they found that in 2016, it was more common for a child who was four years old or younger to have an asthma attack compared to older kids. They also found that about 6.5% of children with Mexican heritage has asthma, compared to just 5.1% of children with Mexican heritage who had asthma in 2016.

What we can learn from the study

Since the study hasn’t shown that the rate of asthma has gone down but only that the rate of serious asthma attacks has gone down, we can see how important it is to make sure that children with asthma understand their condition. They must understand both their triggers and their system, as well as their action plan. Having all of this in place can do more than prevent major asthma attacks and hospitalizations – it can also make them less nervous and anxious about these issues.

If your child has asthma or you suspect they do, and you want an evaluation and / or treatment plan, we recommend you reach out to Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group at 805-658-9500. We can provide full testing and treatment options. Your child can be safe even if they have asthma, but first you must be sure of what you’re dealing with and what to do when you deal with it.