Hospital admissions for asthma in Newcastle are twice the national average. This is perhaps unsurprising given the city's heavy industrial legacy, dense population and frequent vehicle congestion. But in recent years, steps have been taken to improve levels of pollution with the enforcement of air quality management areas. The number of adult smokers in Newcastle is also significantly higher than the UK average, which may also have an impact on young people. In Newcastle, asthma incidents tend to occur more often during the summer when the build up of ozone combines with hot, still days.
Actual hospital admissions of 15- to 19-year-olds from 2002-05 - 63
Expected hospital admissions of 15- to 19-year-olds from 2002-05 - 39
Source: Actual admissions represent emergency hospital admissions for the financial years 2002-03 to 2004-05 combined. Expected admissions are calculated by applying the national rate to the population in each relevant local authority for the age group and condition selected. Data compiled for Young People Now by the Dr Foster unit at Imperial College, London (www.drfoster.co.uk). Area descriptions provided by Experian.
