KAZALCI OKOLJA

Key message
Neutral

Asthma is the most common chronic disease among children and one of the major causes of hospitalization to the age of fifteen. In 2019, in EU countries, the share of people reporting asthma was 5,7 %, and for Slovenia it was 4,8 %.  In the period 2018-2022, the municipality of Kostel stood out in terms of the number of hospitalizations for asthma. Children admitted to the hospital for asthma in 2023 were mostly 5 to 9 years old. Recent evidences support relationship between exposure to air pollution and exacerbation of asthma, mainly due to exposure to particulate matter (PM10, PM2.5) and ozone.  In addition to polluted outdoor air, the development of asthma is also influenced by polluted indoor air. The presence of allergens like moisture, mold, mites, pets and cigarette smoke increases the risk of developing asthma. Asthma in children can be well-managed if symptoms are properly controlled. It is important for parents and caregivers to recognize early signs of worsening asthma and take timely action to prevent hospitalizations. Educating parents and caregivers, as well as providing support to families, can play a crucial role in managing asthma. Increasing awareness about how to identify asthma triggers and how to use medications correctly is essential.


Charts

Figure ZD02-1: Number of hospitalizations for asthma in children and adolescents aged 0 to 19 (per 1,000) by municipalities, Slovenia, average 2018-2022
Sources:
Figure ZD02-2: Percentage of children admitted to hospital due to asthma regarding age groups, Slovenia, administrative units, 2023
Sources:

NIJZa, 2021 (16. 09. 2024)

Show data
proportion of population (%) 2019
EU (27 countries - from 2020) 5,7
Belgium 5,8
Bulgaria 2,2
Czechia 4,6
Denmark 7,2
Germany 8
Estonia 4,1
Ireland 7,3
Greece 3,3
Spain 4,1
France 7,8
Croatia 4,8
Italy 4,6
Cyprus 4
Latvia 3,8
Lithuania 2,8
Luxembourg 6
Hungary 5
Malta 6
Netherlands 6,4
Austria 4,3
Poland 4,1
Portugal 6,1
Romania 1,5
Slovenia 4,8
Slovakia 4
Finland 9,4
Sweden 7,5
Norway 7,9
Figure ZD02-3: Share of people reporting asthma in EU, 2019
Show data
2019 [%]
EU (27 countries - from 2020) 5.70
EU (28 countries) -
Belgium 5.80
Bulgaria 2.20
Czechia 4.60
Denmark 7.20
Germany 8
Estonia 4.10
Ireland 7.30
Greece 3.30
Spain 4.10
France 7.80
Croatia 4.80
Italy 4.60
Cyprus 4
Latvia 3.80
Lithuania 2.80
Luxembourg 6
Hungary 5
Malta 6
Netherlands 6.40
Austria 4.30
Poland 4.10
Portugal 6.10
Romania 1.50
Slovenia 4.80
Slovakia 4
Finland 9.40
Sweden 7.50
Norway 7.90
UK -
Iceland -

Methodology

Other sources and literature

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  4. EUROSTAT, 2023. Persons reporting a chronic disease, by disease, sex, age and educational attainment level. Luxembourg, EUROSTAT.
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  15. Soto-Ramirez N. et al. 2013. Epidemiologic Methods of Assessing Asthma and Wheezing Episodes in Longitudinal Studies: Measures of Change ad Stability. Journal of Epidemology. 3013; 23(6): 299-410.
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  18. WHO, 2006. Asthma. Geneva, World Health Organization, 2006. Fact sheet No. 307. (7 March 2007).


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