Asthma attacks each year thousands of Hispanics

The Asthma is a condition suffered by a large number of Latinos in the U.S. and unfortunately, more than 25% lack a usual source of care. Similarly, compared with non-Hispanic whites are less likely to Hispanics with asthma in the care of a doctor or clinic regularly, receiving prescriptions for medications and have adequate access to specialty care. They also have a greater chance of ending being treated in the emergency department or hospitalized in a crisis.

The new report, Fighting for Air: The Burden of Asthma for Hispanics , published by the American Lung Association (ALA its acronym in English), provides an overview of research on complicated factors biological, environmental, political and cultural factors that increase the burden of asthma in the Hispanic population in this country. This report is part of the series Health Disparities Pulmónde of the organization. According to Dr. Norman H. Edelman, chief medical officer of the ALA, "Some Hispanics face social and economic disadvantages that leave fewer resources to implement the measures necessary to manage their asthma. Hispanics are the fastest growing ethnic group in the country, and the urgency to address the growing burden of asthma in the same as the population. The American Lung Association remains committed to addressing these and other inequalities in health in this country.

"When it comes to managing your asthma, Hispanics also face other charges to be the environment. For example, are 165% more likely to live in counties with unhealthy levels of pollution of particulate matter, and 51% more likely to live in counties with unhealthy levels of ozone compared with those non-Hispanic whites. They are also more likely to have low-wage jobs in agriculture, construction and services rarely provide health benefits and often expose workers to serious respiratory hazards.

It has also proven that poverty and stress affect the body's immune response , increase inflammation and worsen asthma . Some 22% of Hispanics in this country live below the poverty level compared to the U.S. population average of 12.5%. In view of the problems due to this disease, the American Lung Association offers resources in Spanish to help people better manage their asthma as the Breathe Well, Live Well, which is an asthma self-management program for adults. It also has open airways for schools, a school program in Spanish that educates and empowers children through fun and interactive approach of self-control asthma. For more information please contact the Helpline Lung 1-800-LUNG-USA or the website of the organization.