Among children ages 5 to 17, asthma is responsible for more than 10 million school days lost each year. Children with asthma average almost eight school days missed per year, as compared to less than three days for children without asthma. Asthma affects minority groups disproportionately to the general population. African Americans represent one in eight of the U.S. population-but more than one in five deaths from asthma. It s time to stop this threat to a child s very breath.
Medical science is poised for a breakthrough.
A cure for asthma is now closer than ever. The American Lung Association, the most respected organization in the field of lung disease, has identified asthma as a primary focus for the coming decade. A new generation of scientists is poised to attack asthma. Research is increasing. Discoveries based on immunologic and genetic research, combined with new diagnostic techniques, have created a unique window of opportuinity for a medical breakthrough that will help asthma sufferers gain control of their lives and eventually lead to a cure.