Asthma

According the American Lung Association (ALA) 4.8 million African Americans have been diagnosed with asthma and African Americans account for 26% of all asthma related deaths. . Asthma has a significant impact on African-Americans, especially in the inner cities. Inner cities are plagued with asthma-causing agents: tobacco and cooking smoke, indoor allergens, aerosols and other air pollutants, respiratory infections, and stress. African American children with asthma are 2.3 times more likely to visit an emergency room, 3.8 times more likely to be hospitalized, and 2 to 3 times more likely to not be able to do activities as a result of asthma. , According to a study presented at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology's (AAAAI) Annual Meeting exposure to high levels of cockroach allergen, sensitization to indoor allergens and family history of allergy were strongly associated with persistent wheezing in inner city children. Regular care from a primary care physician or asthma specialist, prevention efforts and adherence to symptom management can help African Americans keep asthma under control and help prevent asthma attacks.
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes breathing problems in people of all ages by affecting the airways. The airways are the tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs. If you have asthma, the inside walls of your airways are swollen or inflamed. Since the airways are swollen they are very sensitive, and they tend to react strongly to things that a person with asthma is allergic to or finds irritating. When the airways react, they get narrower, and less air flows through to your lung tissue. This causes symptoms like wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe), coughing, chest tightness, and trouble breathing, especially at night and in the early morning.
You can manage your condition much like someone manages diabetes or heart disease. You and your doctor can work together to control asthma, reduce the severity and frequency of attacks and help maintain a normal, active life
What Triggers Asthma?
When a person breathes, air is inhaled through the nose and passes through the bronchial tubes (bronchi) of the lungs. When air is exhaled, it moves through the same tubes. People with asthma have sensitive bronchial tubes that can be affected by a variety of triggers. Triggers are substances or conditions that irritate in the lungs. According to the American Lung Association (ALA), the following are examples of asthma triggers:

• Air pollution
• Smoke - tobacco and wood smoke
• Respiratory illnesses and influenza
• Air particles in walls and furniture
• Perfume
• Paint fumes
• Cold air
• Allergens (substances that cause allergies such as dust, mites, pollen, molds, pollution, and animal dander)

Triggers cause the bronchi to produce excess mucus, constricting the breathing tubes. The narrowing of the breathing tubes, along with tightening of the surrounding muscles, leads to breathing difficulties, or asthma attacks.
Barriers to Adherence- a Special Challenge
Many time barriers to following an asthma management plans are created by our own beliefs or fears. Barriers can include:

• Resorting solely to alternative therapy (all alternative therapy should be discussed with a physician)
• The use of multiple care providers can become complicated. Keeps all your doctors aware of your physician visits and keep your own records to share.
• Inadequate environmental allergen control (clear your home of triggers).
• Misunderstanding your child's school drug policies. Many schools have a zero-tolerance drug policy; students may feel the need to smuggle and take their asthma medications secretly, or they may leave their medications at home.
• Fear of steroid use among sports participants. Some children and adults may equate asthma medications with all steroids, and not use their inhalers after hearing about ball players who take steroids and faced sanctions or dismissal from their teams.

All these barriers can be mitigated by asking your physician questions and dispelling any misunderstandings that prevent proper asthma management.
What are the Symptoms and Causes of Asthma?
Asthma signs and symptoms can range from mild to severe. Most asthma attacks are preceded by warning signs. Recognizing warning signs and treating symptoms early can help prevent attacks or keep them from becoming worse.
Warning signs and symptoms of asthma in adults may include:

• Increased shortness of breath or wheezing
• Disturbed sleep caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing
• Chest tightness or pain
• Increased need to use bronchodilators - medications that open up airways by relaxing the surrounding muscles
• A fall in peak flow rates as measured by a peak flow meter, a simple and inexpensive device that allows you to monitor your own lung function
• In children typically you will hear a whistling or wheezing sound when exhaling and frequent coughing spasms

Are there special concerns for Women with Asthma?
According to the CDC, American women have a 30% higher prevalence of asthma than American men. In addition, women have a 40% higher death rate from asthma than men. Nearly 10 million adult women in America suffer from asthma.
Asthma is a special concern for women during pregnancy. The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology reports that asthma may cause a decrease in oxygen levels in the mother's blood, which can affect the baby's oxygen levels as well. Poorly oxygenated blood can lead to impaired fetal growth and development. It is important for pregnant women to manage asthma symptoms for their health, and the health of their babies. Pregnant women need to work with their doctors and allergists to determine the most effective asthma management plans during their pregnancies.
Empowerment Points

1. Learn about your asthma and how to control it.
2. Use medicines as directed by your doctor to prevent or stop attacks.
3. Avoid things that make your asthma worse as much as possible.
4. Get regular checkups from your doctor.
5. Follow your asthma self-management plan
6. Control the asthma triggers in your home
   • Keep your home clean, dusting often with a damp cloth. Avoid using aerosol or spray cleaners.
   • Use window shades made of plastic or other washable materials.
   • Remove stuffed furniture or stuffed animals from the bedrooms.

Create a safe environment for yourself and your family by being aware of your asthma triggers, controlling the potential triggers within your home and outdoors, and working with your doctor.