How Common is Asthma?
Asthma is a very common problem all over the world. Some studies have indicated that asthma has increased by almost seven per cent during the last three decades in most countries.
Asthma can develop at any age, but about fifty per cent of the people develop it before the age of ten years while about twenty-five per cent develop it before the age of forty years. Asthma is twice as common in young boys as compared to young girls. By the age of thirty, it is equally common among men and women
The progress of childhood asthma varies from person to person. In some children the symptoms worsen as they grow older whereas in some others the symptoms improve. Sometimes, childhood asthma may disappear for several years but may recur in adult life. Asthma is more likely to be life long in children who continue to have the symptoms during puberty. Several studies worldwide have indicated that children with severe asthma are more likely to get severe asthmatic attacks in adult life too.