Hispanics in Wisconsin Burdened by Asthma

American Lung Association Issues New Report in its Disparities in Lung Health Series

To download the report visit www.LungUSA.org/Asthma-In-Hispanics

(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 Wisconsin and across the country.  This report is part of the Lung Association’s Disparities in Lung Health Series. 

In Wisconsin, there are 268,000 Hispanics, 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. 

Sue Swan, Executive Director for the American Lung Association in Wisconsin said, “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.”

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 (PM), and 51 percent more likely to live in counties with unhealthy levels of ozone compared to non-Hispanic whites.  Milwaukee County, which received a failing grade for both ozone and PM in the 2011 American Lung Association State of the Air Report,  is home to the state’s largest Hispanic population, and has the highest asthma prevalence rate, according to the most recent Burden of Asthma Report, published by the Department of Health Services.

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.  In Wisconsin, 23.3 percent of Hispanics live below the poverty level. 

According to Juan P. Ruiz, MD, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, “Asthma is a chronic disease that unfortunately affects millions of Americans. Hispanics are disproportionately affected. Many factors play a role for this. Fortunately, working with proven strategies it is possible to minimize disparities, improve patient care and outcomes.”

The American Lung Association in Wisconsin provides Spanish language assistance to children and adults with asthma, through the following programs:

• 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.   
• Active with Asthma Day Camp is a Milwaukee-based day camp for children ages 8-13 who are on daily asthma medications.  Active with Asthma Day Camp is a fun, activity-filled week.  Trained medial and program staff teach children about asthma, physical activity, medications, nutrition, how to avoid triggers, asthma action plans and more.  An educational session for parents and family with the medical director is also provided.

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. 

To find out more about any of the American Lung Association’s asthma programs, please contact Jamie Heberer, 262-703-4836.