High asthma rate found in students

One of every six U.S. high school students suffers from asthma and more than one-third of those report having an attack in the previous year, says a federal study suggesting schools do more to manage the potentially fatal lung disease.

Asthma, which is marked by breathing difficulties, coughing and inflammation of the airways, disproportionately affects children and adolescents. In some states, it is the leading cause of absenteeism in schools.

In 2003, an estimated 16.1% of those in grades 9 through 12 said they were suffering from the disease, according to a survey of more than 13,000 students by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Nearly 38% reported an asthma attack or episode in the 12 months before the survey, the CDC said.

The current rate of asthma reported by the students was about double that found in a separate 2003 federal study that polled parents. CDC researchers said more research was needed to explain the factors behind the discrepancy.

The Atlanta-based agency, however, urged educators to develop plans to deal with students’ asthma, which can be triggered by exposure to certain allergens commonly found in schools, such as chalk dust, mold and cleaning products.