Respiratory Disorders (Asthma)
What is it:
Asthma is a chronic disease of the airways that makes breathing difficult. With asthma, there is inflammation of the air passages that result in a temporary narrowing of the airways that carry oxygen to the lungs. This results in asthma symptoms, including coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. The incidence of asthma is 50% higher in overweight and obese people than the remaining population.
Who has it:
22 Million Americans.
More than 1 out of 2 people who have this condition are overweight or obese.
Consequences:
Asthma accounts for one-quarter of all emergency room visits in the U.S. each year, with 2 million emergency room visits. The annual cost of asthma is estimated to be nearly $18 billion. Evidence suggests that obesity may contribute to or even cause asthma. Obese patients with severe asthma account for 75% of emergency department visits for asthma. When obese asthma patients lose weight, there is a decrease in asthma symptoms and severity.
health & happiness
(years of potential life lost (YPLL))
