PHILADELPHIA — About 21 percent of Philadelphia children suffer from asthma, more than double the national rate. That's more than 1 out of 5 kids citywide, according to Penn Medicine researchers, with the highest rates of childhood asthma in North, Northeast, and West Philadelphia neighborhoods.
Many families may not appreciate how much virus season can compound their suffering. More than 90 percent of asthma attacks in children are caused by respiratory viruses, such as influenza, rhinovirus, adenovirus, and RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, according to pediatrician James Reingold, who heads the emergency department at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children in North Philadelphia.
Another, better-known trigger for asthma is air pollution and indoor allergens, such as dust mites, pets, and mold.
