ASTHMA LEVELS REACH CRISIS POINT
IN AFRICAN AMERICAN CHILDREN

FALL IS PEAK SEASON FOR ASTHMA ATTACKS

Anita Jackson-Kelley

By: Anita Jackson-Kelley, M. D., MPH, FACS, FAAOA
Physician Spokesperson, EVERYDAYKIDZ.COM

The Alarming Fact
Throughout childhood, millions of children run, skip and play, and become involved in lots of different vigorous activities both in and out of school. However, for the growing number of African American children who are diagnosed with asthma, this important part of childhood has become a life threatening activity as carefree fun may have near fatal results.

Asthma is a common condition that interferes with breathing by preventing air from flowing freely into and out of the lungs. It is a chronic long-term disease in which the air passages (or bronchial tubes) in the lungs become inflamed or swollen making breathing difficult.

Millions of children live active lives and can participate in activities that are essential to healthy psychological and mental development. However, for the thousands of children who are diagnosed with asthma every year, living active lives is out of reach.

The prevalence of asthma, among the general population is high with 21.9 million adults and 8.9 million children in the U.S. being diagnosed with asthma. However, the asthma attack prevalence rate in African Americans is 30% higher than in Caucasians. Shocking statistics show that this chronic illness has now reached epidemic proportions especially among African American children. This not only impacts the development of the child but also the family and community as a whole.

Of African American children under 18, 12.4% have asthma, compared with 8.3% in the general population. Research has shown that despite improved medications, advances in equipment and testing, and increased educational and support resources.

Why African American Children?
Differences in the rate of asthma among different populations are less related to race than they are to socio-economic and environmental factors.

According to the National Medical Association, the morbidity and mortality rate due to asthma among African American children highly correlates with poverty, urban air quality, indoor allergens, lack of patient and physician education, inadequate medical care, misuse of medication and lack of available resources in communities where they live.

A recent study conducted in the state of California showed the specific environmental triggers that are known to play a major role in asthma are tobacco smoke, household mites, elevated levels of particulate matter such as diesel exhaust, and unhealthy air masses caused by the burning of fossil fuel by cars, trucks and buses. Recent research has also highlighted that higher levels of pollen and changes in the types of molds spurred by global warming have also become increasingly significant environmental issues.

Pre-and perinatal factors also increase the susceptibility to asthma in African American children. Studies show that African American mothers of asthmatic children in inner cities are more likely to have smoked during pregnancy, to have gained less weight during pregnancy and to have had no prenatal care than mothers of non-asthmatic children.

As the disparity between African American's access to health care professionals and facilities and the general populations continues to grow, African American children living in urban areas are the most likely to be affected by asthma but are the least likely to receive treatment. A recent study conducted by medical researchers at John Hopkins reported that only 38% of African Americans stated that they received enough information about how to avoid asthma triggers compared to 54% of Caucasians; and on average 41% of Caucasians were seen by asthma specialists compared to only 28% of African Americans.

Good News…It IS treatable.
The good news is that while asthma is not a curable disease it is a treatable disease and with adequate knowledge, education and the reduction of environmental factors, the mortality rate of asthma in African American children can be reduced.

Knowledge and awareness are key in the fight against asthma in the African American community. Families need to be educated about the steps they can take to control the indoor environment of their homes--for example, using lead-free paint and choosing not to smoke. It is vital that caregivers and the community are taught, there is effective relief through current treatments and medications - for example, traditional inhalers are not always ideal as the medication is often difficult to administer to young children.

Caregivers within the African American community should also be encouraged to take part in workshops and programs that will raise their awareness and educate them in the issues surrounding asthma treatment, prevention and care.

About EVERYDAYKIDZ
EVERYDAYKIDZ is a program for moms, dads, and families to help kids with breathing problems connect by using educational tips and activities. The EVERYDAYKIDZ/NIÑOSSALUDABLEZ program is specifically designed to help asthma treatment become part of children's daily routine. The program offers parents e-mail newsletters with fun tips and activities and screening events for families of children with breathing problems in addition to a full set of interactive tools, such as e-cards, videos, and fun craft projects you can do with your child. For more information go to www.everydaykidz.com or www.ninossaludablez.com.