WVU Medicine Children’s is joining the global effort to raise awareness about asthma this World Asthma Day.

Asthma is a chronic respiration condition that affects both kids and adults.

Millions of individuals, families, and communities see the impact of asthma, especially in rural regions like parts of West Virginia.

So, how widespread is this serious public health issue?

More than 28 million people live with asthma.

In 2013, the annual economic cost of asthma was estimated at $82 billion. That number has likely increased greatly.

Asthma is one of the leading causes of missed work and school, which hinders education and productivity.

In 2020, nearly a million emergency department visits were attributed to asthma.

An average of nine people die from asthma each day just in the United States.

But the statistics don’t show the daily struggles of a person living with asthma. An asthma attack and difficulty breathing cause distress not only to the patient, but to their caregivers as well.

People with asthma also have to make sure they constantly have access to medications they need.

That’s why this year’s theme for World Asthma Day is “Make Inhaled Treatments Accessible for All.”

At WVU Medicine Children’s, our Asthma Program is committed to helping families across West Virginia and the surrounding region better understand and manage their conditions through compassionate patient-centered care and community education.

In West Virginia, the combination of rural geography and low household income levels create barriers to consistent care.

That often limits access to specialists, timely diagnoses, and ongoing treatment. Without those things, there will be higher rates of uncontrolled asthma and emergency visits in the region.

Our Program focuses not only on clinical treatment, but also on preventive care, patient and caregiver education, and outreach to underserved areas.

Empowering families with tools and information will help reduce the burden of asthma across the state and promote equitable access to quality care.

At WVU Medicine Children’s, we stand with every child and family navigating asthma

We will continue to empower, educate, and provide the highest level of care because every child deserves to breathe freely.

If you’d like more information about the WVU Medicine Children’s Asthma Program, call 304-598-5000 ext. 132724