Epidemiology Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Epidemiology, including details on twin studies, statistics, environmental and genetic factors.

Epidemiology of asthma.

Lugogo NL, Kraft M

Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, P.O. Box 2641, Durham, NC 27710, USA. njira.lugogo@duke.edu

The epidemiology of asthma is complex but essential in enhancing the understanding of a disease that affects millions of patients. Asthma is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Asthma prevalence rates in the United States reached a plateau after 1998 with an estimated overall prevalence of 3.8% in 2003. Racial disparities exist and there are staggering differences in morbidity and mortality. The analysis of data collected from epidemiologic studies continues to be a critical part of enhancing the understanding of the pathophysiology of asthma, which will lead to improved patient outcomes.

Published 17 March 2006 in Clin Chest Med, 27(1): 1-15, v.
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