Asthma
Asthma is a chronic lung disease characterized by episodes of airflow obstruction. Asthma is a growing concern in this country, particularly in inner-city African-American and Latino populations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, asthma prevalence increases with age, but healthcare use is highest among younger children. Boys have higher asthma prevalence and death rates compared with girls throughout childhood. The disparity in asthma mortality between Black and White children has increased in recent years. American Indian/Alaska Native children have current asthma prevalence rates 25 percent higher and Black children 60 percent higher than White children. Asian American children have the lowest prevalence rates.
Poverty, substandard housing that results in increased exposure to certain indoor allergens, lack of education, inadequate access to health care, and the failure to take appropriate medications may all contribute to the risk of having a severe asthma attack or, more tragically, of dying from asthma.

Background
Symptoms of an asthma attack include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Asthma occurs in people who are predisposed to develop asthma because of genetic and environmental factors that determine susceptibility. A variety of "triggers" may initiate or worsen an asthma attack, including viral respiratory infections, exercise, and exposure to allergens or to airway irritants such as tobacco smoke and certain environmental pollutants.
The scope of the health care problem caused by asthma lies not only in the large number of Americans with the disease, but also in the limitations that asthma can impose on daily life. Asthma is the leading cause of school absenteeism due to chronic illness and is the second most important respiratory condition as a cause of home confinement for adults. Each year, asthma causes more than 18 million days of restricted activity, and millions of visits to physicians' offices and emergency rooms. A recent study found that children with asthma lose an extra 10 million school days each year; this problem is compounded by an estimated $1 billion in lost productivity for their working parents. In 1990, asthma-related health care cost our nation approximately $6.2 billion.

Preventive Measures
Parents are encouraged to reduce dust mite exposure by using hypoallergenic covers on parents’ and babies’ mattresses, by weekly hot water washing of all bedding, and by benzyl benzoate cleaning of carpets and upholstery before birth and at 4 and 8 months old. Parents were encouraged to eliminate tobacco smoke exposure to their babies. Mothers are also encouraged to breastfeed for at least 4 months, and preferably throughout the first year. If formula is used at any time, it should be a partially hydrolyzed, hypoallergenic formula. Introduction of solid foods should be delayed until at least 6 months of age. This sounds like a lot of work and expense – but perhaps less work and expense than caring for a child with asthma. Studies have shown that parents can be successful at carrying out these interventions. These extra efforts have contributed to a dramatic 56 percent decrease in the onset of asthma by age 7. Developing asthma depends on a combination of genetic tendencies and environmental triggers. Lifestyle changes can make a big difference!

Once asthma sufferers learn what conditions prompt their attacks, they can take steps to control their environment and avoid these triggers. However, medical treatment with anti-inflammatory agents (especially inhaled steroids) and bronchodilators is usually necessary to prevent and control attacks. With optimal management, control of asthma is usually an attainable goal.

Sources:
American Lung Association
www.blackhealthcare.com
Alan Green MD, FAAP

Allergies

Allergies are abnormal immune system reactions to things that are typically harmless to most people. When you're allergic to something, your immune system mistakenly believes that this substance is harmful to your body. Puerto Rican and African-American children with asthma may be at risk for multiple indoor and outdoor allergies. Puerto Rican children with asthma are up to three times more likely to be allergic to indoor and outdoor allergens than white children with asthma. African American children with asthma are two to three times more likely to have allergic reactions to outdoor allergens.

Background
Substances that cause allergic reactions, such as certain foods, dust, plant pollen, or medicines, are known as allergens. In an attempt to protect the body, the immune system produces antibodies to that allergen. Those antibodies then cause certain cells in the body to release chemicals into the bloodstream, one of which is histamine (pronounced: his-tuh-meen). The histamine then acts on a person's eyes, nose, throat, lungs, skin, or gastrointestinal tract and causes the symptoms of the allergic reaction. Future exposure to that same allergen will trigger this antibody response again. This means that every time you come into contact with that allergen, you'll have an allergic reaction.  If you suffer from one or more of the following symptoms, you may suffer from allergies:

Preventive Measures
There are plenty of allergens and irritants lurking inside your home that can make you and your family miserable. Sometimes it’s obvious what’s causing you to sneeze and wheeze, while other times it takes some figuring out. Below are some of the possible culprits; you may be allergic to one or more of them.

Tackle the allergens and irritants most responsible for symptoms starting in the bedroom - where you and your kids will spend more than half your life!  From there, search and destroy allergens and irritants in the kitchen and bathrooms where mold, moisture, and ventilation issues reign. Don’t overlook basements, crawl spaces, and attached garages - out of sight and out of mind for mold, dust, off-gassing from stored chemicals, and carbon monoxide (garage).  Family rooms host a variety of allergens and irritants, all of which are better dealt with as a family. It’s often been said that allergy and irritant proofing a house exposes cracks in the family structure. Negotiating, listening, and problem-solving skills will be put to the test. Budget planning, keeping a positive attitude, and prioritizing tasks can be challenging. However, successful achievement yields rewards both in health and happiness.

Sources:
Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America
Psych Central
Teen’s Health  

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