Asthma is the most common childhood health condition1
Nearly 1.5 million children in California have asthma and the condition makes it difficult for this group to exercise, play, and attend school.1
There is evidence that children unable to manage their asthma tend to visit emergency departments (ED) at increased rates. Better management of this chronic disease is critical to reducing ED visits and improving the quality of life for children with asthma.
Indicator Progress
In 2016 (baseline year), there were 75.3 childhood asthma-related ED visits per 10,000 residents. The current value in 2019 was 63.4. The updated 2034 target is to be determined (TBD).
More Data about Childhood Asthma ED Visits
Childhood Asthma ED Visits
Baseline
75.3
Target
TBD
Indicator Highlights
In California, asthma costs are estimated at $11.3 billion per year.2
This includes direct health care costs, work and school days lost, and productivity lost due to premature death.
Charges for asthma hospitalizations alone in 2010 were over $1 billion and the average charge per asthma hospitalization increased by twofold since 1995 ($13,274 vs. $33,749, even after adjusting for inflation).3
Medicare and Medi-Cal cover 65% of asthma hospitalizations and 50% of asthma ED visits in California.3
Although asthma remains at epidemic levels, it can be controlled with environmental measures, self-management strategies, and quality health care services.3
For most people, asthma can be controlled with regular preventative healthcare, a clear asthma action plan, medication, and by avoiding known asthma triggers.4
Environmental factors can worsen asthma symptoms or trigger asthma attacks. Such factors include indoor air quality, workplace conditions, environmental tobacco smoke, outdoor air pollutants, and climate change.2
Data Snapshot: Disparities & Trends
According to the latest LGHC data, children in Fresno County have asthma ED visits at a rate nearly two times higher than the state average.
Blacks have 40% higher asthma prevalence than Whites, four times higher asthma ED visit and hospitalization rates, and two times higher asthma death rates.2
Asthma hospitalization and ED visit rates are higher in Hispanics (all subgroups combined) when compared to Whites, especially among children.2
Adults who report cost barriers to receiving medical care are less likely to have well-controlled asthma than those who do not report cost barriers.2
The rate of asthma ED visits is four times higher for people living in areas with the lowest household incomes compared with the highest.2
Emergency Department Visits Due to Asthma per 10,000 Children and Adolescents, Over Time
Emergency Department Visits Due to Asthma per 10,000 Children and Adolescents, by Demographic Category
Emergency Department Visits Due to Asthma per 10,000 Children and Adolescents, by County
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