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A MINUTE OF HEALTH WITH CDC
Breathe Easier: Learn About Asthma
National Surveillance for Asthma — United States, 1980–2004
December 6, 2007

This program is presented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC – safer,
healthier people.

Wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath are the frightening symptoms of an
asthma attack. Asthma is a serious health problem – it can even be deadly. Over
the past 25 years, we’ve seen a gradual increase in the number of people with
asthma.

CDC researchers found that more than 20 million people in the U.S. had asthma
in 2005. Asthma affects all ages. About three in ten of those with asthma are
under 18 and one in ten are 65 or older. While we don’t know what causes
asthma or why there’s been an increase, we do know that helping people
manage asthma and prevent attacks is important and helps decrease the overall
health effects of asthma.

Thank you for joining us on A Minute of Health with CDC.

To access the most accurate and relevant health information that affects you, your family and
your community, please visit www.cdc.gov.