Studies presented today at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) annual meeting highlight the extent of racial disparities in the treatment and clinical outcomes of asthma and other health conditions such as eczema.
One study presented by the University of Texas at Austin and Dell Medical School found that Black children have a higher prevalence of eczema (atopic dermatitis) and asthma than White children and are more likely to have both conditions simultaneously. More research is needed to understand the common risk factors for these conditions in Black populations to identify suitable treatments.
Another study, also conducted by the University of Texas at Austin and Dell Medical School, found that Black and Mexican-American children with asthma have an increased risk of upper respiratory viral infections (URI), which may contribute to disparities in asthma exacerbations.
These studies underscore the risk that such conditions could have an adverse impact on children from underserved populations, affecting their behavior, mental health, school attendance and overall quality of life.
