In Minnesota 92,643 out of 1.4 million kids cope with the chronic disease. Today it's 62 of every 1,000 children - a 55 percent increase. Asthma accounts for 1 in 6 pediatric emergency room visits in the U.S., says the American Lung Association. Experts aren't sure why childhood asthma rates are increasing but say it may be due to children spending more time indoors, where asthma-triggering dust mites and allergens are most common. Or, it may be due to poor asthma management, increased air pollution and limited access to proper medical care for some children.
Some children say it feels like an elephant is standing on their chest.
During an asthma episode, the bronchial tubes that carry air to the lungs become inflamed and swollen. Nearby muscles tighten and mucus production increases. As a result, the airways narrow and breathing becomes difficult. One in nine American children has asthma. That's 5 million kids.