The American Lung Association last week released a new report, "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 Maine and across the country. This report is part of the Lung Association's Disparities in Lung Health Series.

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. For reasons that are not clear, the proportion of people who get asthma varies widely among Hispanics based on their country of origin. Puerto Ricans are especially hard hit by the disease and are more likely to have a diagnosis of asthma than any other population group. Mexican-Americans, by contrast, have some of the lowest rates of asthma, although there is evidence to suggest that they are significantly under-diagnosed.

According to the Pew Hispanic Center, there are about 17,000 Hispanics living in Maine, an increase of 80% since the year 2000. Many Hispanics may be needlessly struggling with their asthma. According to the ALA report, compared to non-Hispanic whites, Hispanics with asthma are less likely to be in the care of a regular doctor or clinic. When they do get sick they are more likely to end up being treated in the emergency department or hospitalized.

"The American Lung Association's report documents that while asthma affects many people in Maine, the negative impact on the Hispanic community is especially severe," said Dr. Sheila Pinette, Director of the Maine Center for Disease Control. The American Lung Association in Maine, the Maine Center for Disease Control's Asthma Prevention and Control Program and Office of Minority Health, the Maine Asthma Coalition, the state's major health care systems and many other health organizations in Maine are working to reduce asthma-related disparities and improve outcomes and the quality of life for those with asthma.

Maine was the first state in the nation to develop an Asthma Educator's Institute to improve the knowledge and skills of nurses and respiratory therapists in treating people asthma. "We know from many studies that patient education is as critical as medication to effectively treat asthma," said Rhonda Vosmus, a nationally certified asthma educator and American Lung Association in Maine board member. "We are using this report to call on all public and private insurance plans to recognize the need to pay for asthma patient education."

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 50 percent more likely to live in counties with unhealthy levels of ozone compared to non-Hispanic whites. The impact of air pollution on people with asthma is well documented. "Despite the universal need for healthy air, there are repeated attempts in Washington this fall to weaken the Clean Air Act," said Diane Haskell, a respiratory therapist and Leadership Board Chair of the American Lung Association in Maine. "This 40-year old federal law is the best and only way to protect everyone in Maine from toxic air pollution blown in from states to our south and west."

"The burden of asthma on the Hispanic community is complex and as this population grows, so does the urgency to address the health disparities associated with this disease," said Lisa Sockabasin, Director of the MCDC Office of Minority Health. The American Lung Association calls on government agencies, the healthcare system, patient advocates, community leaders, and families to work together to narrow the gap so that Hispanics and everyone with asthma can breathe easier.

For more information about Luchando por el Aire: The Burden of Asthma on Hispanics, please contact Lee Gilman at lgilman@lungne.org or (603) 410-5108. To download a copy of the report, visit: www.lungusa.org/asthma-in-hispanics.

The American Lung Association of New England is part of the American Lung Association, the oldest voluntary health organization in the U.S. Established in 1904 to combat tuberculosis, our mission today is to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. The focus is on air quality, asthma, tobacco control, and all lung disease. ALANE serves CT, MA, ME, NH, RI and VT. www.lungne.org