title: Epidemiology of asthma: the year in review.
abstract: Asthma is a worldwide problem, with more than 17 million persons in the United States estimated to have asthma, and there is evidence that the prevalence is increasing. This article reviews the latest epidemiologic evidence for an increase in asthma prevalence and morbidity, and the evidence that environment plays a significant role in this disease. This review focuses on five specific areas: prevalence, incidence, natural history, environmental factors, and morbidity and mortality.
authors.affiliation: Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Department of Medicine, Center for Lung Research, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-2650, USA.
authors.forename: T V
authors.initials: TV
authors.lastname: Hartert
authors.forename: R S
authors.initials: RS
authors.lastname: Peebles
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000397:Air Pollution / Q000009:adverse effects; D001249:Asthma / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000401:mortality / Q000503:physiopathology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D014943:Global Health; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology