Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. It produces recurring episodes of breathing problems, which may include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Asthma cannot be cured, but can be controlled. The American Lung Association of California offers a number of educational programs to help individuals with asthma manage their disease.

For more information about these programs click on the link below:

Asthma Statistics

  • Asthma is the most common chronic disease for children under 18 years old.
  • Asthma is the #1 cause of school absenteeism due to chronic disease.
  • In a single year, more than 1, 500 children are hospitalized due to asthma related problems in Orange County.
  • It is estimated that there are 71, 473 children (ages 0-14) suffering from asthma in Orange County.

Source: Data was taken from the American Lung Association State of the Air: 2007, National Center for Health Statistics, California Department of Health Services, and the 8th Annual Report on the Conditions of Children in Orange County.

For more information about asthma, please go to our national website at http://www.lungusa.org.

Orange County Asthma Coalition

The American Lung Association of California is in the beginning stages of developing an Orange County Asthma Coalition. Coalition members include representatives from local hospitals, universities, school districts and community organizations as well as concerned community members. The purpose of the Coalition is to make a difference in the lives of children and families who are affected by asthma.

For more information about the Orange County Asthma Coalition, please contact Natalie Martinez at 714-835-5864 x105 or by email at nmartinez@alac.org.