What to know about asthma in African Americans

Asthma isn’t a disease that strikes all individuals equally—some people, such as African Americans, get hit much harder. Why this is, is complex and multifaceted. Asthma is a long-term lung disease that can affect anyone, of any age, sex, race, or ethnicity. But because of several factors—such as socioeconomic status—African Americans have a greater likelihood of being hospitalized, or even killed, by asthma. This article discusses why asthma is more dangerous to African Americans. It also addresses general information on causes, treatments, and prevention for this chronic respiratory disease. Risk Factors for Asthma in African Americans(RealPeopleGroup/Getty Images) Non-Hispanic African Americans in the United States, as of 2018, are approximately 40% more likely …