Asthma the leading cause of chronic disease in children1
As the leading cause of chronic disease and missed school days in children,1 asthma affected 7.4% of Californian children in 2019-2020.2 Children (0-17-year-olds) are more likely to develop asthma if they have a family history of asthma, environmental allergies, or are exposed to tobacco smoke or air pollution.3,4,5 Children unable to manage their asthma tend to visit emergency departments (ED) at increased rates. Better management of this chronic disease is critical for improving the quality of life for children with asthma and to reducing ED visits.
This indicator tracks the number of ED visits due to asthma among 0-17-year-olds per 10,000 residents.
Childhood Asthma ED Visits
In 2022 (baseline year), there were 55.5 childhood asthma-related ED visits per 10,000 residents. The most recent rate available is 55.5 (2022). We hope to reach a target of 27.8 or lower by 2034.
Baseline
55.5
Target
27.8
Indicator Highlights
One in seven Californians have asthma.6
In California, asthma costs are estimated at $13 billion per year.6 This includes medical expenses, work and school days lost, and productivity lost due to premature death.
Compared to adults, 0-17-year-olds are more likely to have severe asthma, with twice the rate of emergency department visits and three times the rate of hospitalizations.7
Although asthma remains at high levels, it can be controlled through environmental management, self-management strategies, and quality health care services.8
For most people, asthma can be controlled with regular preventative healthcare, a clear asthma action plan, medication, and by avoiding known asthma triggers.8
Environmental factors can worsen asthma symptoms or trigger asthma attacks. Such factors include chemical irritants, outdoor air pollution, wildfire smoke, volatile compounds in household products, unvented and unsafe heating sources, secondhand smoke, and other factors which may affect indoor air quality such as pets, pests, and/or molds.8
Data Snapshot
Compared to White 0-17-year-olds, Black and Latino children are more likely to suffer from severe asthma.7
Black children are six times more likely to visit the ED, and five times more likely to be hospitalized.
Latino children are twice as likely to visit the ED, and 1.4 times more likely to be hospitalized.
These inequities are caused by a combination of factors, including racism, historical trauma, classism, discrimination in policies, and pollution in the environment, as well as poor access to healthy and affordable housing, quality food choices, healthy schools, and quality health care.
Emergency Department Visits Due to Asthma, 0-17 Years, per 10,000 Residents, Over Time
Emergency Department Visits Due to Asthma, 0-17 Years, per 10,000 Residents, by Demographic Category
Emergency Department Visits Due to Asthma, 0-17 Years, per 10,000 Residents, by County
|
Share Your Story
Want to engage in moving the dial on Healthy Beginnings? Share your impact story!
More From Let’s Get Healthy California
