Primary Care Considerations
The incidence (number of new cases) and prevalence (number of known cases) of asthma have increased over the past 30 years.
3% of the overall population has asthma
The disease occurs at all ages, but most commonly in children
New cases tend to concentrate in urban and low socioeconomic areas
Factors associated with asthma include:
Exposure to cigarette smoke
Crowded living conditions
Poor diet
Increased environmental stressors (air, water, food)
Earlier weaning and introduction of solid food