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By: Adrianna Frazier

Gloria Essien

Asthma in the African-American

Minority

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Chronic respiratory diseaseInflammation of the air waysEffects the bronchi, bronchioles and

lungs Effects:

WheezingCoughingDifficultly breathing

What is Asthma?

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What is a disparity?

A health condition or disease that is higher for one group than the general population

Such as:RaceAgeSex

dis·par·i·ty (n.);

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More common in African-Americans in Massachusetts

Dates back to 800 B.C.Mentioned in Homers’ “The Iliad”"Invented” in 400 B.C.:

“asthma” - “to pant”

Why is it a Health Disparity?Where Did it Come From?

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Respiration – Essential for lifeAirways and bronchial tubes carry oxygen

through:Nose and mouthTracheaLung cavity

BronchiBronchioles

Anatomy

Nasal cavity

Mouth

Trachea

Lung Cavity

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Types and Their Triggers [5]

AllergicTriggered by allergens

Exercise-InducedStrenuous exercise

NocturnalBed allergens

OccupationalChemically-Induced

Steroid-ResistantOver dose

5. Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com/article/95146-

causes-adult-asthma/.

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In Massachusetts, more than 9.8% of people have asthma [1]

4.18% of those are African AmericanMinorities – Low income – Poor Quality Care

EffectsTreatment Plans [6]PreventionCommunication Issues

Reason for disparity remains unknown

Some Facts

PEOPLE WITH ASTHMA

AFR. AMER-ICAN

OTHERS

1. Gold, D. Population disparities in asthma. (2005) Annual review of public health. 26: 89-113 6. retrieved

from http://www.therapytimes.com/harvard_initiates_study_to_evaluate_asthma_therapies_i

n_black_patients/content=0902j84c487e588440a0

8Group Classification

9.80%

4.18%3.43%

2.19%

Asthma Prevalence [3]

MASSACHUSETTS AFR. AMERICANSOTHER MINORITIES CAUCASIAN

3. Retrieved from http://www.masscosh.org/node/92.

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Pollution/Environmental conditionsUrban areas in Massachusetts [1]

Lack of access to quality healthcareLittle acknowledgement of severity

of symptoms [6]Poverty[4]

Affordability/CostLimits quality of healthcare

Common Causes (Among African- Americans) [4]

1. Gold, D. Population disparities in asthma. (2005) Annual review of public health. 26:

89-113 4.Retrieved from

http://www.tree.com/health/asthma-types.aspx. 6. retrieved from

http://www.therapytimes.com/har

102. Castillo, R., Jordan, M., Tan, L., & Williams, T. Prevalence of asthma disparities amongst African-American children. (2010) p1-2.

Children from birth to 17 years oldWhy?

Smaller airwaysSecond-hand smokeEnvironmental conditions

3rd leading cause of hospitalizationsDeaths are rare - rate increases with age

Asthma in Massachusetts AfricanAmerican Children [2]

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Most important: prevent severe asthma attacks

Peak FlowKeeps asthma under control

Get smart: Trigger prevention

Correct /constant use of medicationBronchodilators

Inhalersmedication

Asthma prevention and control

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July 2010- no more inhalers- Interferon [8]June 2011- Bronchial Thermoplasty [7]

The Future

7.retreived from http://www.dailymail.co.u

k/health/article-2000283/Breakthrough-asthma-operation-burns-

away-lung-tissue-radio-waves.html

8.retrieved from

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100

713144922.htm

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Lowell Center/Toxic Use Reduction Institute [9]Education for peopleChemical and environmental

exposures Improve technology and products

Strategic Plan for Asthma in Massachusetts 2010-2014 [9]State planUnderstanding role of primary

preventionStrategies to replace chemicals

that induce asthma

Prevention Organizations

9. http://www.mass.gov/Eeohhs2/docs/dph/com_healt

h/asthma/state_plan.pdf

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Prevalence of asthma in African-Americans is most likely due to povertyLower socioeconomic statusesPoor living and environmental conditions

Lack of access to quality healthcare

Conclusion

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1. Gold, D. Population disparities in asthma. (2005) Annual review of public health. 26: 89-113

2. Castillo, R., Jordan, M., Tan, L., & Williams, T. Prevalence of asthma disparities amongst African-American children. (2010) p1-2.

3. Graham, T. MassCOSH. (2010, March 6). Asthma report. Retrieved from http://www.masscosh.org/node/92.

4. "Types and causes of asthma - health & wellness - tree.com." Tree.com. (2011). Retrieved from http://www.tree.com/health/asthma-types.aspx.

5. Vermillion, F. Claritin.com. (19 Mar. 2010). Causes of adult asthma | livestrong.com - lose weight & get fit with diet, nutrition & fitness tools. Retrieved from http://www.livestrong.com/article/95146-causes-adult-asthma/.

6. Therapy times , Harvard initiates study to evaluate asthma therapies in black patients, (2011), retrieved from http://www.therapytimes.com/harvard_initiates_study_to_evaluate_asthma_therapies_in_black_patients/content=0902j84c487e588440a040441

References

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7. Sophia Borland, Radio wave surgery gives hope to thousands of asthma sufferers, (June 2011), http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2000283/Breakthrough-asthma-operation-burns-away-lung-tissue-radio-waves.html

8. Science daily, (July 14, 2010), Interferon might help asthma patients breathe easier, http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/07/100713144922.htm

9. Government, (2009-2014), Strategic Plan for Asthma in Massachusetts, http://www.mass.gov/Eeohhs2/docs/dph/com_health/asthma/state_plan.pdf

References contd.