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For immediate release: September 27, 2005 (05-120)
Contacts:
Amy Manchester Harris,
Asthma Program, Department of Health 360-236-3851
mailto:Deanna.Whitman@doh.wa.govDeanna
Whitman, Communications Office, Department of Health 360-236-4022
Paul Payton, American Lung Association 206-441-5100
Asthma steadily increasing among children in Washington
OLYMPIA ¾ The rate of asthma among children is increasing in Washington and more children in school need monitoring and treatment for their asthma during the day. But this year more students with asthma will have easier access to their medication, thanks to a new state law.
Previously, schools in Washington had the option to allow students to carry their asthma medication. A bill passed by the legislature last session requires all schools to allow students to carry and self-administer asthma medication, if students meet certain conditions. "This is good news for school children with asthma," said state health officer Dr. Maxine Hayes. "Although there is no cure for asthma, children can live a healthy and active life by keeping their asthma under control — this is a step in the right direction."
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of asthma in Washington is among the highest in the nation. From 1999 to 2003 the percentage of people who reported having asthma has significantly increased in our state. It’s among the most common chronic diseases affecting children. Asthma, especially under-treated or untreated, can hinder a child’s ability to attend, participate and learn in schools. An estimated 120,000 youth in our state currently have asthma and one in 10 households with children report having a child with asthma.
"Implementing the Washington State Asthma Plan is the next step in assuring better asthma management and awareness for children with asthma," said Dr. Gail Shapiro of Northwest Asthma and Allergy Center. "Over the next 10 years, state and local asthma partners will be working together on this plan to improve the quality of life for both children and adults with asthma in Washington."
Even though the new legislation allows children to carry their asthma medications with them at school, that is not enough for children to have good asthma control; their doctor must also fill out an asthma management plan. These plans are designed for people with asthma and their caregivers to manage medications and reduce exposure to asthma-triggers in the environment at school and at home.
For the last four years, Asthma Management in Education Settings (AMES), a program led by the Department of Health and the American Lung Association of Washington, has provided asthma-care guidelines and resources for school personnel, parents and students across the state. The Washington Asthma Initiative (WAI), a coalition of individuals and organizations concerned about asthma prevention, diagnosis and management will soon release the Washington State Asthma Plan. It will outline steps to protect children and adults with asthma in Washington.
Asthma continues to be a serious health problem in our state. Every year about 100 people die and more than 5,000 are hospitalized as a direct result of uncontrolled asthma. The Department of Health in cooperation with WAI has released The Burden of Asthma in Washington State report (http://www.alaw.org/pdfs/wai/BurdenofAsthmaWASt-2005FINAL.pdf). The report describes why asthma is considered a health issue here.
More information about asthma is available on the American Lung Association’s Web site (http://www.alaw.org/asthma), which also provides printable asthma management plans.
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