Who Has Asthma

If you have asthma, you're not alone. More than 34 million Americans have been diagnosed with asthma at some point in their lifetime. About one-third are children under 18 years of age.

There is no sure way to tell who will develop asthma and who won't. However, some factors may make it more likely that you'll have the condition. Do you fit in any of the categories below?

ARE YOU 18 YEARS OLD OR YOUNGER?

Asthma is more common in people under 18 years of age. It's the most common chronic disease among children and a leading cause of missed school days (and missed workdays for parents).

DO YOU SMOKE?

Cigarette smoking can increase your risk of developing asthma as an adult. For children, secondhand smoke increases their risk.

DO YOU LIVE IN A CITY?

The number of people who have asthma has increased during the last 20 years, especially in urban areas.

Find out if you might have asthma.

Dr. Crim Why has the number of asthma cases gone up?

The apparent increase in the number of asthma cases is probably related to an increased awareness on the part of individuals...