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  Asthma is a Serious Disease
Asthma is an inflammatory disease that targets the airways of the lungs and can cause difficulty breathing. Inflammation (swelling) and increased amounts of mucus production occur in the lining of the tubes that carry air to and from the lungs. In addition, the airways become extra sensitive, and may react to things like cold air, dust, cigarette smoke, and pollen. When airways react, the muscles that surround the outside of the airway tubes start to contract. As these muscles contract, they tighten and the tubes leading to the lungs become even smaller. These effects are usually temporary, but can cause shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and other symptoms. Figure 1 shows the difference between a normal airway (left) and an airway affected by inflammation and increased mucus (right).
While we do not know what causes asthma, we do know that certain things called "triggers" can cause asthma symptoms to increase. Not everyone with asthma has the same triggers, but some common triggers include exercise and allergens (things that cause allergic reactions).
There is much about asthma that remains unknown and requires further study. Asthma cannot be cured, but it can be controlled. With quality health care, the correct medication, and good self-management skills, people with asthma can live normal, healthy, and productive lives.
How Many People in Oregon Have Asthma?
During the past 20 years, asthma has increased throughout the United States. By looking at the percent of people with asthma in Oregon, we have learned that the same thing is happening here. The measure of how many Oregonians (what percent of the population) have asthma is called the "prevalence" of asthma. We know that right now more than 282,000 people in Oregon have asthma. This means that the prevalence of asthma in Oregon is about 8%. Knowing how many people in Oregon have asthma is important. It helps us monitor the disease, and helps us to understand the impact of asthma in Oregon. Information about the prevalence of asthma for both adults and children in Oregon is included in this report.
Who Has Asthma?
While it is sometimes thought that asthma is only a childhood disease, we know that this is not true. Asthma affects both children and adults. Also, asthma affects men and women, people of any age, and of any race/ethnicity.
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