The Fact About Asthma

Asthma is a reversible obstructive lung disease, caused by inflammation, constriction of the airways and excess mucous production. It is an increased reaction of the airways to various triggers. It mainly affects the bronchial tubes by blocking airflow through these tubes. During an asthma attack the tubes become further inflamed and obstructed, and the air sacs become enlarged, resulting in an inability to breathe properly. Asthma can be a life-threatening disease if not properly managed and if not properly controlled, many experts believe that permanent damage occurs. 

The triggers of an asthma attack often vary from one individual to another. Common triggers include: tobacco smoke, vehicle exhaust, ozone (or smog), carbon monoxide, airborne molds, pollens, dust, animal dander, many household and industrial products, air pollutants, wood smoke, perfume, exercise, and stress. An attack finds the victim gasping for breath as the airways become constricted, the passages inflamed and clogged with thick, sticky secretions. Poverty and lack of access to children's health care increase the risk of asthma.


Asthma in Minority Communities

  • In 2015, almost 2.6 million non-Hispanic blacks reported that they currently have asthma.
  • African American women were 20 percent more likely to have asthma than non-Hispanic whites, in 2015.
  • As of 2014, African Americans are almost three times more likely to die from asthma related causes than white American populations.
  • In 2015, African American children had a death rate ten times that of non-Hispanic white children.
  • Black children are 4 times more likely to be admitted to the hospital for asthma, as compared to non-Hispanic white children.
  • While all of the causes of asthma remain unclear, children exposed to secondhand tobacco smoke exposure are at increased risk for acute lower respiratory tract infections, such as bronchitis.
  • Children living below or near the poverty level are more likely to have high levels of blood cotinine, a breakdown product of nicotine, than children living in higher income families.


References:

The American Lung Association

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services


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