Asthma is a high priority health condition among Georgia children. Nearly 11 percent of Georgia’s children have asthma, and many more are undiagnosed. Asthma can impact anyone. Asthma attacks are a tightening of the airways in the lungs, and if not controlled, asthma can lead to death. Living a healthy and active life with asthma is possible through good self-management, such as taking medications, and in partnership with a healthcare provider.
In Georgia, although asthma impacts many people, asthma is found more often in boys and in persons who identify as black or African American. Asthma is also found more often among children who live in households with lower incomes. Many of the triggers that cause asthma are found in older housing.
In 2014, there were 2,452 asthma-related hospitalizations among children 0-17 years of age in Georgia. The total cost of asthma-related hospitalizations among Georgia children exceeded $29 million.
The Georgia Asthma Control Program carries out statewide activities to implement the 2013-2018 Strategic Plan to Address Asthma in Georgia, the Coordinated Federal Action Plan to Reduce Racial and Ethnic Asthma Disparities, and National Asthma Control Program’s goals. The 2013-2018 Strategic Plan to Address Asthma in Georgia has outlined eight strategic goals in four areas of focus and emphasis, which include: Environment, Family Support, Healthcare Delivery System, and Schools and Childcare Settings.
Additional Resources
Recommended Asthma Action Plan - English
Recommended Asthma Action Plan - Spanish
2013-2018 Strategic Plan to Address Asthma in Georgia
Coordinated Federal Action Plan to Reduce Racial and Ethnic Asthma Disparities
National Asthma Control Program
Pediatric Asthma Mortality
According to Vital Records, between 2001 and 2011, more than 60 children under the age of 18 died from asthma. In 2014, the Georgia Asthma Control Program developed a Pediatric Asthma Mortality Reporting Form to capture detailed information regarding the circumstances surrounding the death of children when asthma was the cause of death. In May of 2015, the Department of Public Health mandated the reporting of pediatric asthma deaths in order to refine or design medical or community prevention initiatives. You will find additional resources regarding reporting below.
Additional Resources
Pediatric Asthma Mortality Reporting Fact Sheet
Pediatric Asthma Mortality Reporting Overview Video
Peditaric Asthma Mortality Web-Based Data Portal
Pediatric Asthma Mortality Report (print version)
Page last updated 10/20/17