Epidemiology
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Epidemiological studies in Saudi Arabia revealed an increasing prevalence of asthma in the past three decades, which may be attributed to rapid lifestyle changes related to the modernization of Saudi society, changes in dietary habits, and exposure to environmental factors such as indoor allergens, dust, sand storms, and tobacco.
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Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide with an estimation of 300 million affected individuals.
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Prevalence is increasing in many countries, especially among children.
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A major cause of school/work absence.
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250,000 asthma deaths per year reported worldwide.
Asthma in Saudi Arabia
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It is one of the most common chronic diseases in Saudi Arabia.
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According to Saudi Initiative for Asthma (SINA), BA affecting more than 2 million Saudis.
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Its impact is manifested in patients, their families, and the community as a whole in terms of:
- Lost work and school days
- Poor quality of life
- Frequent emergency department visits
- Hospitalizations
- Deaths