Leading Health Indicator 5 (continued)
Asthma(3,
6,
23-27)
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Asthma was chosen as a lead indicator because it is the leading chronic disease
in children. As a disease affected by environmental conditions, asthma is an
important indicator of our ability to control environmental toxins. While the
causes of asthma are still unknown, the Institute of Medicine found evidence that
dust mites and second hand tobacco smoke are a cause and that respiratory
syncytial virus infection, and home dampness may also be a cause. Airborne
pollutants such as, ozone, carbon monoxide, lead sulfur dioxide, nitrogen
dioxide, and particulate matter are known to exacerbate the condition and are
also considered another likely cause. Children under the age of five are at
greatest risk for hospitalization and rehospitalization for asthma. Once a child
is identified with asthma or respiratory problems, severe attacks can be
prevented through proper treatment and monitoring of the disease. For this
reason, Florida has chosen asthma hospitalization and rehospitalization as
indicators.
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Asthma hospitalizations are indicators of a state's ability to control airborne
pollutants and to reduce new cases of asthma.
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Figure 32: Florida Child and Youth Asthma Hospitalizations, 2000
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Figure 32 Source: 2000 Hospital Discharge Data, Susan Chen, Nancy Ross,
Florida Agency for Health Care
Administration and Florida Vital Statistics
Annual Report 2000
Note: Duplicated count
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Rehospitalization is an indicator of the health care delivery system's success
in helping families and children mange and control asthma
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Figure 33: Florida Child and Youth Asthma Rehospitalizations, 2001
Figure 33 Source: 2001 Hospital Discharge Data, Special Data Run, Susan Chen,
Nancy Ross, Florida Agency
for Health Care Administration and Florida Vital
Statistics Annual Report 2001
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Emerging Issue – Bioterrorism, the Environment and Children
“ Children are more vulnerable than adults to chemical or biological attacks”
(Joseph Wright, MD in testimony before the US Senate Subcommittee on
children and Families, November 2, 2001). Dr Wright testified that medications
and immunizations to counter biological attacks have not been tested on
children to ensure correct dosage and appropriateness. Child-sized equipment
(e.g., oxygen masks) and trained medical staff are needed. Mental health advice,
disaster plans for schools and other places children frequent are needed. The
American Academy of Pediatrics has created a committee to study children and
bioterrorism issues and developed advisories. Please see
http://www.aap.org/advocacy/washingto/kidsbioterrorism.htm.
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