Be Prepared for Asthma
from CT DPH (2018)
Asthma is a chronic disease of the respiratory system that is characterized by reversible obstruction of the airways and airway hyper-responsiveness to a variety of stimuli. In Connecticut, it has been found that the following population subgroups are disproportionately affected by asthma: children, females, Hispanics, non-Hispanic Blacks, and residents of the state’s five largest cities.
Statistics:
- Among Connecticut residents surveyed in 2014, 72,000 (9.6%) children and 257,000 (9.2%) adults suffered from asthma. In 2014, 8.6% of US children and 7.4% of US adults had asthma.
- Asthma is the single most avoidable cause of hospitalization, yet it is consistently one of the most common admitting diagnoses in pediatrics.
- In 2014, Connecticut incurred over $135 million acute care charges due to asthma as a primary diagnosis. Of the $135 million asthma acute care charges, $92.8 million were for hospitalizations and $42.5 million were for emergency department (ED) visits.
- Of the $135 million, $102 million (76%) were charged to public funds (Medicaid or Medicare).
- Residents from the five largest cities (Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven, Stamford, and Waterbury) account for 18% of Connecticut’s total population, yet they account for nearly half (46% or $62 million) of the $135 million asthma acute care charges in 2014.
What is an Asthma Action Plan?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states “All people with asthma should have an asthma action plan. An asthma action plan (also called a management plan) is a written plan that you develop with your doctor to help control your asthma.”
The Asthma Action Plan (AAP) lists all medications with instructions on when they should be taken. It is a simple plan that describes how to achieve long term control and what to do when asthma symptoms arises. If you or your child do not have an AAP, please download and print one out below. Bring it to your next medical appointment, so that you and your provider can fill out the plan together.
DPH Asthma Program Asthma Action Plans
AAP for Children 0-11 Years of Age (English & Spanish) – If you have a child in a Connecticut licensed day care facility, the Asthma Action Plan does not meet the requirements of Day Care Licensing Regulations for an authorization to administer medication. Please use the following Authorization to Administer Medication form.
AAP for 12 Years of Age & Older (English & Spanish)