Hispanics in Georgia Burdened by Asthma
American Lung Association Issues New Report in its Disparities in Lung Health Series
Atlanta, GA (October 25, 2011)—
The American Lung Association released a new report today, Luchando por el Aire: The Burden of Asthma on Hispanics, which provides an overview of the complex biological, environmental, political and cultural factors that increase asthma’s burden on the Hispanic population in Georgia and across the country. This report is part of the Lung Association’s Disparities in Lung Health Series.
“Asthma is manageable if you have the right treatment and medical plans,” says Martha Bogdan, chief executive officer and president of the American Lung Association in Georgia. “But without access to the necessary healthcare, an asthma attack can lead to hospitalization and astronomical medical bills.”
In Georgia, there are more than 850,000 Hispanics (comprising nine percent of the population), many of whom may be needlessly suffering from asthma, a severe, and potentially life threatening, chronic disease. There is no cure for asthma, but it is manageable and treatable.
The Spanish title of this new report is the best translation of “fighting for air,” an experience that is all too common among Hispanics with asthma. Compared to non-Hispanic whites, Hispanics with asthma are less likely to be in the care of a regular doctor or clinic; less likely to be prescribed appropriate medicines; less likely to have access to specialized care; and more likely to end up being treated in the emergency department or hospitalized in a crisis.
“The percentage of Hispanics living in poverty in our state is higher than the national average, as is the percent living without health insurance,” Bogdan continued. “This report indicates that these are some of the major factors that contribute to their asthma burden.”
Unfortunately, more than 25 percent of Hispanics in the U.S. lack a regular source of medical care, and when they get sick they are more likely to end up being treated in the emergency department or hospitalized.
When it comes to managing their asthma, Hispanics also face other burdens that are due to the environment, poverty and stress. For example, Hispanics are 165 percent more likely to live in counties with unhealthy levels of particulate matter pollution, and 51 percent more likely to live in counties with unhealthy levels of ozone compared to non-Hispanic whites. Atlanta ranked 23rd out of 277 metropolitan areas for the most high ozone days and received an overall grade of F for clean air on the American Lung Association’s 2011 State of the Air report.
They are also more likely to work in low-paying factory, construction and service jobs that rarely provide health benefits and often expose workers to serious respiratory hazards.
Poverty and stress have been shown to affect the body’s immune response, increasing inflammation and worsening asthma. At 21.5 percent, more Hispanics in this country live below the poverty level compared to the U.S. average of 12.5 percent.
The American Lung Association in Georgia provides Spanish language assistance to children and adults with asthma.
- The American Lung Association's Open Airways For Schools is a school-based curriculum available in Spanish that educates and empowers children through a fun and interactive approach to asthma self-management. It teaches children with asthma ages 8-11 how to detect the warning signs of asthma, avoid their triggers and make decisions about their health.
- The Lung HelpLine, 1-800-LUNGUSA, offers one-on-one support from Spanish-speaking registered nurses and respiratory therapists. Individuals have the opportunity to seek guidance on asthma control and find out how to participate in Lung Association asthma programs, Breathe Well, Live Well and Open Airways For Schools.
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About the American Lung Association in Georgia Now in its second century, the American Lung Association in Georgia is the leading organization in the state working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. With your generous support, the American Lung Association is “Fighting for Air” through research, education and advocacy. For more information about the American Lung Association in Georgia, or to support the work it does, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit www.lungGA.org.
