Asthma is a chronic disease of the lungs. In New York State (NYS), more than 1.1 million adults have asthma 1. Asthma occurs at any age but is more common in children than adults. Nationally, nearly one in 13 school-age children have asthma, and that rate is rising more rapidly in preschool-aged children and those living in urban inner cities than in any other group.
