Childhood Asthma Control Saves Lives: Opportunities for Policymakers

Asthma is one of this nation's most pervasive and costly conditions, affecting the health and wellbeing of millions of children in every community across the U.S. While there is no cure for asthma, it can be controlled with proper treatment and trigger management.

In recent years, medical research and advancements in asthma treatment and management have helped to dramatically improve health outcomes for children with asthma. After years of asthma rates on the rise, asthma prevalence in children is falling, and fewer children are dying from this disease. While this is a promising trend, it is not benefitting all children equally. Children of lower socioeconomic status and children of color continue to suffer a disproportionate burden of asthma.

The good news is that a strong body of evidence provides a clear roadmap to help children control their asthma. With access to a stable source of care, asthma education services, and affordable medications, children are better able to manage their disease and grow up to become healthy adults.

Our nation is on the right track, but there is more work to be done to ensure that all children who suffer from asthma are able to have their health needs met. Read our full fact sheet for more on how policymakers can pursue essential policy priorities that will help children and their families manage asthma and lead healthy lives.