American Lung Association Issues New Report on the Burden of Asthma in Hispanics

(October 25, 2011)—

Contact: Jan M. Flynn 
208-345-5864
jflynn@lungmtpacific.org

                        
American Lung Association Issues New Report to Highlight the Burden of Asthma on Hispanics

Note to Editors: To download the report visit www.Lung.org/Asthma-In-Hispanics

Boise, ID. —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 Idaho and across the country.  This report is part of the Lung Association’s Disparities in Lung Health Series. 

In Idaho, the Hispanic community makes up 11.2 percent (175,569) of the population, many of whom may be needlessly suffering from asthma, a severe chronic, or life long, disease that can be serious – even life threatening.  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. 

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.  Although Hispanics are only 16 percent of the U.S. population, they account for nearly one-third of people who do not have health insurance nationwide. 

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.  They are also more likely to work in low-paying agriculture, 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. 

According to Margie Gonzalez, Executive Director for the Idaho Commission on Hispanic Affairs, “Asthma is a frightening disease for individuals in the Hispanic community, especially when language barriers are present.  That’s why the Lung Association asthma management programs provide much-needed help to people in our community suffering from asthma.”  The Commission promotes collaboration amongst government and non-government groups to address disparities amongst the Latino community and seeks to raise awareness and education on health issues in the Latino community.

The American Lung Association in Idaho provides Spanish language assistance to children and adults with asthma:
 Breathe Well, Live Well is an adult asthma self-management program led by an American Lung Association-trained Facilitator offered in a small group setting.  The workshop teaches adults the knowledge and self management skills necessary to take control of asthma.  Spanish-language materials are also available for download.
 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-LUNG-USA, 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.   

In addition to expanding the Lung Association’s capability to provide its programs to members of the Hispanic community, there are also several other action steps to help reduce the burden of asthma and help everyone breathe easier.  These steps are details in the full report, and include making sure that federal agencies continue to aggressively implement the Affordable Care Act; that the CDC continue to fund the National Asthma Control Program; and for public and private funders to increase the investment in disparities-related research. 

For more information about Luchando por el Aire: The Burden of Asthma on Hispanics or to learn more about the American Lung Association’s asthma programs, please contact Jan M. Flynn at (208) 345-5864 or jflynn@lungmtpacific.org.  To download a copy of the report, visit: www.Lung.org/Asthma-In-Hispanics.  

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About the American Lung Association in Idaho
The American Lung Association in Idaho is a non-profit, voluntary public health organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease in Idaho. Our programs focus on the areas of asthma, clean air, tobacco prevention and lung disease. 

For more information about the American Lung Association in Idaho or to support the work it does, call (208) 345-5864 or visit www.lungidaho.org.