View source for 22. Epidemiology and prevention of asthma

* Epidemiology
** Prevalence: 7% in world
*** Increasing
** Black > white
** Mostly in children
** Allergic asthma – childhood onset
** Nonallergic asthma – adulthood onset
* Etiology
** For allergic asthma
*** Atopy
**** Allergic rhinitis
**** Eczema
*** Air pollution
*** Allergies
**** Mold
**** Dust mite
** For non-allergic asthma
*** Respiratory infections in childhood
** Both
*** Smoking or second-hand smoke
*** Low socioeconomic status
*** Obesity
*** Occupational air pollution exposure
* Prognosis
** Developing countries have fewer medications and options for treatment -> higher mortality and morbidity
** Therapy is expensive
** 80% of deaths in low income countries
* Prevention
** Primary
*** Prevention of development of atopy
*** Breastfeeding
*** Prevention of passive smoking
*** Adequate control of childhood infections
** Secondary
*** Screen high-risk 
** Tertiary
*** Avoid triggers
*** Get vaccinations
*** Effective medication and management

[[Category:Public health 5 - Detailed epidemiology]]