Why Is This Important?

Asthma causes repeated episodes of wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and nighttime or early morning coughing.¹

Definition

Deaths with asthma as the underlying cause of death. ICD-10 codes: J45-J46

Data Sources

• Death Certificate Database, Office of Vital Statistics and Registry, New Jersey Department of Health
  (https://www.nj.gov/health/vital/)
• Population Estimates, State Data Center, New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development
  (https://www.nj.gov/labor/labormarketinformation/demographics/population-household-estimates/)
• Underlying Cause of Death, CDC WONDER On-line Database, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  (https://wonder.cdc.gov/Deaths-by-Underlying-Cause.html)

How the Measure is Calculated

How Are We Doing?

There are about 100 deaths each year due to asthma in New Jersey. Although the numbers are relatively small and the rates are low, a large disparity exists between Blacks and other racial/ethnic groups.

The Healthy New Jersey 2020 targets were not met.

How Do We Compare With the U.S.?

The age-adjusted death rate due to asthma in New Jersey is about the same as in the nation as a whole.

Available Services

Resources for persons with asthma who can not afford medication or treatment: http://nj.gov/health/fhs/chronic/asthma/resources/

Work-Related Asthma Guidance for Workers: http://www.nj.gov/health/eoh/survweb/wra/index.shtml

Health Program Information

NJ Asthma Awareness and Education Program (AAEP): http://nj.gov/health/fhs/chronic/asthma/

Footnote References

1. CDC: Asthma