Final Project: Target Population

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that affects an estimated 18.7 million adults and 7.0 million children in the United States alone (CDC, 2012). Asthma is caused by airway inflammation and a narrowing of the airways that leads to shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and chest pain. While asthma cannot be prevented, its symptoms can be controlled. There are two key types of asthma treatment medication; one is referred to as “controller medication” and the other is referred to as “quick relief medication” (WedMD, 2012). Controller medication uses corticosteroids as an anti-inflammatory agent to reduce swelling and mucus production in the airways. Quick relief medication, also known as rescue medication, uses short-acting beta-agonists (bronchodilators) to relax the muscles that tighten around the airways during an acute attack. Even with available treatments, the prevalence of asthma continues to increase in the population. The Centers for Disease Control reports that in 2009, 4.2% of the population had at least one asthma attack; this is equivalent to 8.7 million adults and 4.0 million children (Akinbami, 2011). Of those people already diagnosed with asthma, 52% had a severe attack in 2009 (Akinbami, 2011). The market to improve and design novel asthma interventional products is huge. Innovation for the asthma population will improve the quality of care and quality of life for patients, and there is an enormous business opportunity within this target population. 




Here are the references for the Final Project Blog posts:

References

Akinbami, L. J., Moorman, J. E., & Liu, X. (2011, January). Asthma prevalence, health care use, and mortality: United States, 2005-2009 (Rep. No. 32). Hyattsville, MD: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Bailey, W.  (2012).  Asthma inhaler overview.  http://www.uptodate.com/contents/patient-information-asthma-inhaler-techniques-in-adults-beyond-the-basics

Cambridge Consultants. (2012). New asthma training device more than doubles proper use rates. Retrieved April 14, 2012, from http://www.cambridgeconsultants.com/‌news_pr319.html

CDC. (2012). Asthma: Data for the U.S. Retrieved from http://www.cdc.gov/‌nchs/‌fastats/‌asthma.htm

Granata, A. (Interviewer) & Panitch, Howard (M.D). (Interviewee). Attending pulmonolgist;Director, Pulmonary Medicine Fellowship Program. April 11, 2012.

Kamps, A. W., van Ewijk, B., Roorda, R. J., & Brand, P. (2000). Poor inhalation technique, even after inhalation instructions, in children with asthma. Journal of Pediatric Pulmonology, 29, 39-42.

National Asthma Council Australia. (2008). Inhaler technique in adults with asthma or COPD [Pamphlet]. South Melburne, VC, Australia: National Asthma Council Australia Ltd.

PDR Network. (2011).  Advair HFA.  Retrieved from http://www.pdrhealth.com/drugs/advair-hfa

WebMD. (2012). Asthma medications. Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/‌asthma/‌guide/‌asthma-medications