Asthma in Blacks
By
John C Abercrombie
Asthma is a common condition and is found in all people but is found at a higher rate in Black people more than other races. It is a condition in which the airways narrow and swell. Extra mucus may be found as well. This make breathing harder and often triggers coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.
The seriousness of asthma can range from a minor nuisance to major problems in daily activities up to and including life-threatening asthma attacks. Asthma can’t be cured but the symptoms can be controlled. There is also the possibility that the condition often changes over time. As with other conditions it is important to work with a health care team to maintain control. They are trained to adjust treatment as needed.
It is important to note that asthma symptoms do vary from person to person. Some have infrequent attacks, others may have symptoms only during certain times, like during exercise while others can have symptoms all the time.
Some of the signs and symptoms of asthma:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness or pain
- Wheezing when exhaling – this is a common sign in children
- Trouble sleeping caused by shortness of breath, coughing or wheezing
It is important to consult a health care team that you feel comfortable with as coughing or wheezing may be worsened by a respiratory virus including conditions like a cold or the flu.
Take care if you have the following as they may be signs that your condition is worsening.
- Signs and symptoms are fore frequent or more bothersome
- Increased difficulty breathing, usually measured with a peak flow meter – used by your health care team
- The need to use a quick relief inhaler more often – this is a sign that your asthma is not well controlled
- It is important to note when your symptoms flare up as this may be an important clue in controlling and maintaining your treatment
- An example of this is noting that asthma is worse when the air is cold and dry
- Some occupational triggers such as workplace irritants including chemical fumes, gases or dust
- Asthma may be triggered by air born substances like pollen (note pollens that affect some may be vary) mold, cockroach waste or particles of skin and pet dander
It is time to seek emergency treatment:
- Rapid worsening of shortness of breath or wheezing
- No improvement even after using a quick-relief inhaler
- Shortness of breath while engaged in minimal physical activity
If you have signs of asthma like coughing or wheezing that lasts more than a few days or other signs of asthma it is time to see your doctor. Early treatment can help prevent long term lung damage which will keep any damage to a minimum. Working with a health care team can help you feel better in your daily life and minimize the possibility of a life-threating attack.
Don’t take more medication than prescribed because overusing asthma can cause side effects and make the condition worse.
Many have falsely held the belief that asthma was little more than a minor breathing inconvenience controlled by a quick puff of medicine. It is much more than that and the Center of Disease Control has a National Asthma Control Program to help achieve better health and improved quality of life. The program funds state and school programs, non-governmental organizations to improve surveillance, train health professionals, educate individuals with asthma and also especially important the families of asthmatics and to the public.
Again, we see the need for medical professionals. The field is open to all, there are no gender or racial restraints.
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Schomburg – The man who built a library
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Health Disparities, Focus on Asthma |
Children’s National Medical Center Note: This video link takes you to the YouTube link. Documentary by Asonye and Children’s National: Health disparities with a focus on Asthma.
The following link will take you to YouTube and allow you to watch
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Allergy Book
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Asthma
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Allergy Diet
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Asthma in the Black Community:
Healthbeat Brooklyn Asthma in the Black Community: Brooklyn’s black neighborhoods have some of the highest rates of asthma in New York City. We visit two treatment and management workshops, run by Long Island University and Not One More Life. One’s aimed at asthma sufferers, the other at health professionals. From Brooklyn Independent Television’s Healthbeat Brooklyn, episode 49. Original air date: 2/1/2011.
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Living with Asthma
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Asthma Inhaler
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Asthma Cookbook
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Why Do More Blacks Have Asthma?
Wanna know why more black people have asthma? In this video, Dr. Renee talks to Dr. LeNoir an Allergy and Immunology specialist to explains why.
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Slow Cooker
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Asthma Inhaler Albuterol
ABH – Asthma Inhaler Albuterol
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Air Fryer
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What exactly IS asthma?
And how to best treat it (Episode 4, Black America’s Health) Do you know what’s actually happening in the lungs when you have asthma? What does it mean to have asthma versus another lung disease like COPD or emphysema? And most importantly — How do you know if you or your child has asthma?
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Air Cleaner For Home
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Asthma Inhaler Machine
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Home Air Cleaners with HEPA
ABH – Air Cleaner for Hone with HEPA
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Can stress trigger asthma in children?
In a study done exclusively for The Detroit News and PBS NewsHour, researchers from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found about 2 of every 3 Motor City children face “adverse childhood experiences,” such as household substance abuse, exposure to violence and extreme economic hardship that can trigger asthma. Indira Lakshmanan reports for the NewsHour.
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Asthma is more than a minor inconvenience. Early diagnosis and treatment are key ingredients in maintaining your health. As in other conditions it is necessary to consult competent health providers. An integral part of the puzzle is good health care for all. Many are in dire straights when it comes to financing medical care.
There is also a need for additional professionals, so if you are so inclined, your services are needed. Don’t let fear deter you from the noble career you desire.