Asthma

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Asthma and COVID-19

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “People with moderate to severe asthma may be at higher risk of getting very sick from coronavirus 19 (COVID-19). COVID-19 can affect your respiratory tract (nose, throat, lungs) cause an asthma attack, and possibly lead to pneumonia and acute respiratory disease.”

CDC Asthma Control Program

Asthma and  Respiratory Infections

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, People with asthma are at an increased risk of serious complications such as asthma attacks or pneumonia, due to respiratory infections such as the Influenza (Flu), Coronavirus (COVID-19) or Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV.) CDC NATIONAL ASTHMA CONTROL PROGRAM

Asthma remains one of the most chronic conditions affecting children in Georgia. In 2023, an estimated 9% of children aged 0 -17 years had at some point been told by a health care provider that they have asthma. .  Asthma can impact anyone and when it is not well-controlled, tightening of the airways in the lungs can lead to severe breathing problems or even  death. Living a healthy and active life with asthma is possible through proper self-management, such as taking prescribed medications, and working closely with a healthcare provider. 

Asthma impacts people of all backgrounds but is more common  in boys and people who identify as black or African American.  Children who live in households with lower incomes are more likely to have asthma. Also, many of the factors that triggers asthma are often found in older housing that has mold, pests, and poor air quality. 

The Georgia Asthma Control Program carries out statewide activities to implement the 2025-2028 Strategic Plan for Addressing Asthma in Georgia and the National Asthma Control Program's goals.  This plan  outlines strategic goals in four areas of focus, which include: Environmental Interventions, Health Systems, Schools and Childcare Settings, Surveillance and Evaluation.

Additional Resources

Download this pdf file. 2025-2028 Asthma Strategic Plan

Download this pdf file. Recommended Asthma Action Plan - English

Download this pdf file. Recommended Asthma Action Plan - Spanish

Coordinated Federal Action Plan to Reduce Racial and Ethnic Asthma Disparities

National Asthma Control Program

Download this pdf file. Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief - Patients

Download this pdf file. Patient Advocate Foundation Co-Pay Relief - Providers & Pharmacies

Asthma Data-State Profiles

Asthma Surveillance Reports and Fact Sheets 

Pediatric Asthma Mortality

According to Vital Records, between 2001 and 2011, more than 60 children under the age of 18 died from asthma.  In 2014, the Georgia Asthma Control Program developed a Pediatric Asthma Mortality Reporting Form to capture detailed information regarding the circumstances surrounding the death of children when asthma was the cause of death.  In May of 2015, the Department of Public Health mandated the reporting of pediatric asthma deaths in order to refine or design medical or community prevention initiatives.  You will find additional resources regarding reporting below.

Additional Resources

Download this pdf file. Pediatric Asthma Mortality Reporting Form

Download this pdf file. Pediatric Asthma Mortality Reporting Fact Sheet

Pediatric Asthma Mortality Report (print version)

 

Last reviewed 10/7/2025