But asthma keeps some of us inside, especially on hot summer days when air quality is poor. Knowledge Gaps We do not fully understand the triggers of asthma. To combat the disease it is essential to know the interactions between the host of potential causes. In 1996, asthma was the tenth most common diagnosis nationally in hospital emergency rooms. We are not yet able to track emergency room visits in New Jersey, but it is probable that asthma is one of the most frequent diagnoses.
Hospitalizations are only a proxy for asthma incidents.
Asthma incidents may vary, yet not be fully reflected in the number of hospital visits.