Health disparities and differences in asthma: concepts and controversies

Asthma is one of the most common respiratory diseases, with immense social impact. Despite best efforts, asthma prevalence, morbidity, and mortality are increasing in the United States. This is especially the case in select communities which suffer an excess burden of asthma. Studying these groups and attempting to ameliorate the disease burden they suffer has an important moral and social imperative. It also may lend important insight into the complex factors that contribute to asthma outcomes. The factors that affect asthma interact in a complicated manner and require a comprehensive approach that addresses each of them. However, pursuing health disparities research is controversial, and important ethical and operative considerations need to be made by those to engage in health disparities research.