22. Epidemiology and prevention of asthma

From greek.doctor
  • 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