Asthma Asthma Basics

Gasping for Air: Asthma and African Americans

The lack of insurance and high cost of medical care prevent many African Americans from seeing a doctor regularly. In fact, a third of uninsured Americans have no regular place of medical care, and 20 percent of school-aged African American children have not seen a doctor in the past year.

"The majority of people I see do not understand what asthma is," says Whyte. "They'll come in having symptoms daily and not think that is abnormal."

Genetic Links
Adding to the mix is growing evidence supporting the idea that African Americans are at greater risk for asthma simply because of their genes.

A recent study published in the American College of Chest Physicians showed that higher doses of the medication commonly used to prevent asthma symptoms were needed to suppress the cells responsible for airway inflammation, in both asthmatic and nonasthmatic African Americans.

These results point to an "inherent" disadvantage that affects the way African Americans respond to traditional asthma medications, says Dr. Ronina Cover, of the National Jewish Medical and Research Center, Denver, who lead the study.

Response to treatment is only one way that genes may play a role. While no clear genetic link has been established, Wolf points out that many whites and Hispanics live in similar socioeconomic conditions as African Americans—yet asthma rates among these poorer populations are not notably higher than the national average.

"It's not that environmental factors don't play a part; they obviously do," says Wolf, "But it certainly suggests that genetics are a major factor [for African Americans]."

Breathing Easier
A poor environment, lack of medical care and a genetic predisposition may all contribute to the prevalence and severity of asthma in African Americans.

While there is no quick-fix, doctors encourage everyone to seek quality medical care.

"The key is empowering people to know what care their child should be getting and empowering them to realize that they can ask for it," says Wolf.

"You have to advocate for yourself sometimes," adds Whyte.

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