Asthma in Homewood
- Approximately 7 million children in the US have asthma (EPA, 2012).
- Children of color and children in poverty are disproportionately affected by asthma (Akinbami et al., 2012).
Data from: CDC/NCHS, National Health Interview Survey, http://www.cdc.gov/asthma/nhis/default.htm
The cause of asthma is poorly understood, but there are several common “triggers” of asthma attacks (www.cdc.gov):
- Outdoor Air Pollution
- Tobacco smoke (including secondhand smoke)
- Dust mites
- Cockroaches
- Pets
- Mold and Mildew
- Strenuous physical activity
- Extreme weather conditions such as high humidity and cold
- Strong emotions
- Viruses, certain drugs, some foods and food additives
Why Should We Consider Asthma In Homewood?
Pittsburgh air quality among the lowest in country; Allegheny County, in particular, received an F-rating. (ALA, 2014)
10.5 million missed school days related to asthma (ACAAI, 2012).
Burden of asthma much greater among Black children, the majority of students in Homewood
- Twice as likely to be hospitalized
- More than twice as likely to have an emergency department visit
- 4 times as likely to die due to asthma compared to white children
- Less likely to be prescribed or take recommended treatments or attend outpatient appointments (Crocker, Brown, Moolenaar, et al., 2009)
Children with asthma are more likely to suffer academically, be overweight/obese, and be limited in their ability to fully engage in school (American Thoracic Society, 2013).
To tackle academic outcomes, we need to consider asthma-related absences
