What about Childhood Asthma?
Asthma is the most common chronic disease of childhood
Over 5 million children have asthma
About 9 children out of 100 have asthma
Asthmatic school aged children miss 14 million days of school each year
Asthma has increased dramatically in children since the 1980s
What are the Symptoms of Asthma?
Frequent coughing
Wheezing
Frequent respiratory infections, like colds and flu
Chest tightness
Trouble breathing
Frequent night coughs
Coughing after crying, laughing, or physical activity

What Triggers Asthma?
Exercise, particularly running
Respiratory infections, like colds and flu
Allergies
Cigarette smoke, fumes, dust mites, animal dander, cockroaches, mold, pollen, strong odors, sprays, and other irritants
Weather, particularly cold air
Emotional stress or excitement




Asthma Among Household Youth on Hispanic Farm Operations
Household farm youth comprise all youth 0-19 years of age who live on the farm and include working and non-working youth.

In 2000, approximately 18,000 youth lived on Hispanic farm operations:

1,300 household youth had been diagnosed with asthma (72 asthmatics per 1,000 youth living on Hispanic farm operations)
16-19 year olds had the highest prevalence rate of asthma (91 asthmatics per 1,000 youth living on Hispanic farm operations)
250 household youth required professional medical attention for asthma (14 asthmatics per 1,000 youth living on Hispanic farm operations)
403 household youth had at least one asthma attack in the last year while doing farm work (50 asthmatics per 1,000 youth living on Hispanic farm operations)
16-19 year olds had the highest prevalence rate for having an asthma attack while doing farm work (61 asthmatics per 1,000 youth living on Hispanic farm operations)
You Can Prevent Asthma Attacks by Knowing the Triggers
Parents should be aware of the unique triggers that are present on family farms such as wood smoke, fertilizers, pollen from crops and weeds, and chemicals, as well as areas high in mold such as feed and storage facilities.

Parents should be prepared to take the steps they can in order to avoid exposing asthmatic children to these unique triggers.

Learn what triggers attacks for your child
Avoid triggers that bring on attacks, such as cigarette smoke, diesel exhaust and fertilizers
Limit work and play outside when air pollution and pollen levels are high
Keep asthmatic children away from farm areas high in mold irritants– storage areas, feed mixing work areas, hay, etc.
If possible, do not use a wood-burning stove, kerosene heater, or fireplace

Education is the Key to Prevention!
Parents can control their child's asthma and help them become symptom free most of the time. Parents should note that asthma does not go away when their child's symptoms clear up.

Educate your children about how to appropriately manage their asthma
Educate yourself about ways to prevent and treat asthma
Make sure you tell family members, playmates, and teachers what to do in case your child has a severe asthma attack
You need to work with a physician on a plan to reduce your child’s asthma
You should visit your child’s physician every six months
You should know that allergy injections may reduce asthma attacks
You need to make sure children are taking proper medication– along with the proper amount and duration