Asthma continues to be one of the most prevalent chronic lung diseases and growing health concerns in the state of Texas. Asthma, a potentially deadly illness, affects the lungs and causes the airways to become inflamed and swollen, and surrounding muscles to tighten. Symptoms include episodes of coughing, chest tightness, wheezing and shortness of breath.
According to the
Texas Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System in 2005, an estimated 1.5 million (6.8%) adult Texans (18 years and older) and 458 thousand (7.3%) children 0-17 years of age currently report having asthma. Also, an estimated 2.5 million (11.1%) adult Texans and 728 thousand (11.6%) children report having had asthma during their lifetime.
In addition, asthma has had a significant economic impact on the state of Texas. According to the
Texas Health Care Information Collection in 2004, hospital discharges listing asthma as the principle diagnosis and other diagnoses account for about $353 million in total charges.
To address the burden of asthma in Texas, the Asthma Coalition of Texas (ACT), in partnership with the Texas Asthma Control and Prevention Program of the Department of State Health Services, has developed the 3rd edition of the Texas Asthma Plan. The Texas Asthma Plan serves as a planning tool to initiate asthma activities in the state of Texas. The 2007-2010 Edition contains issue items with updated goals and action steps specific to regional areas throughout Texas.
We encourage you to review the
Texas Asthma Plan and take action to help reduce the burden of asthma in Texas. With everyone working together, we can make a difference!
