Nearly 15 million Americans now have asthma, including over 85,000 adult and pediatric patients in Louisiana. The frequency and severity of asthma symptoms result in time lost from work or school for patients and the parents of asthmatic children. Asthma is the most frequent cause of school absenteeism. Children often grow out of their asthma, only to have it return when they become elderly. For more information on how to help control or eliminate environmental factors that can increase the risk of asthma, contact the American Lung Association of Louisiana.