NMA Calls for Action on Asthma in Inner Cities
Contact: Tomeka Rawlings of National Medical Association, 702-934-4167
LAS VEGAS, Aug. 8 /U.S. Newswire/ --In a special supplement to the August issue of the Journal of the National Medical Association, asthma specialists declare that the devastating effects of asthma in inner city communities represent a public health crisis. Asthma is prevalent among many inner city families, and African-American children are at the most risk.
"Asthma is a treatable disease, but lack of awareness among patients and physicians about treatment options are resulting in poor health outcomes in these communities," said supplement editor Michael A. LeNoir, M.D., associate clinical professor of pediatrics, University of California San Francisco.
The National Medical Association, the nation's oldest, largest African-American medical society, will call on the U.S. Surgeon General to include asthma on the list of diseases disproportionately affecting minorities.
Asthma affects 15 million people each year, but incidence rates are particularly high for African Americans and Hispanics who live in inner city communities. Death rates from asthma are six times higher for blacks and Hispanics. Black children aged 5-14 are four times more likely to die from asthma than their white counterparts.
Environmental triggers for asthma -- mold, cockroaches, poor ventilation, rodent droppings -- are especially prevalent in multi- unit housing in urban communities. Cigarette smoke, another trigger, is also common in these communities. Additionally, low- income African-American patients may not have regular medical care and frequently seek treatment for asthma in emergency room settings. Adding to the problem is insufficient training among physicians in asthma management. And, notes Dr. LeNoir, when patients have a frustrating experience with medical workers, they will not return for further treatment, with the result that their asthma does not improve.
According to guidelines released by the National Heart, Lung, Blood Institute, there are four key components to an effective asthma management regimen:
-- Disease assessment and monitoring -- Adequate drug treatment -- Controlling factors contributing to asthma triggers -- Patient education and partnerships
"We need to emphasize awareness of asthma in the African- American community," said Dr. LeNoir. "And our physicians need to be better trained to effectively treat asthma. Nationwide asthma needs to be prioritized as a public health initiative. There are several effective drugs now available to treat asthma, but access to these medications is a problem for many urban residents. We will need to work closely with the pharmaceutical industry to insure that these medications are available to all who need them."
The time for action is now. The African-American community has been studied enough, but we know that if adequate resources, are allocated, we can reverse the disproportionately high incidence of asthma among inner city residents, said Dr. LeNoir.
--- The National Medical Association, a medical society representing more than 20,000 African-American physicians dedicated to promoting quality health care for African Americans and minorities.
-0- /U.S. Newswire 202-347-2770/ 08/08 13:32
Copyright 1999, U.S. Newswire
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