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Asthma and Multimorbidity Amongst Ethnic Minority Groups in High Income Countries
Mamidipudi Thirumala Krishna1,2, Saibal Moitra3, Anna Freeman4,5
1Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, School of Infection, Inflammation and Immunology, College of Medicine and Health, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
Summary
Asthma outcomes are poorer in ethnic minority groups (EMGs) due to complex factors like multimorbidity. Research is needed to understand these differences and develop culturally tailored management strategies for equitable care.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Epidemiology
- Health Disparities
Background:
- Asthma is a prevalent noncommunicable disease globally.
- Ethnic minority groups (EMGs) often experience poorer asthma outcomes.
- Multifactorial reasons, including multimorbidity, deprivation, and healthcare access, contribute to these disparities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and patterns of T2 and non-T2 multimorbidity in asthma among EMGs.
- To analyze the associations between multimorbidity, socio-demographic variables, and clinical outcomes in EMGs with asthma.
- To explore the lived experiences of EMGs and healthcare professionals regarding asthma and multimorbidity management.
Main Methods:
- Population-based research integrating primary and secondary care databases.
- Analysis of multimorbidity prevalence, patterns, and associations with socio-demographic factors and clinical outcomes.
- Qualitative exploration of patient and healthcare professional perspectives.
Main Results:
- Emerging data suggest heterogeneity in multimorbidity and its association with ethnic background and asthma outcomes.
- EMGs, especially from deprived backgrounds, may experience earlier onset of multimorbidity and reduced survival.
- Significant gaps exist in population-based data linking asthma, multimorbidity, and ethnicity.
Conclusions:
- Culturally tailored resources and a holistic, multidimensional approach are needed for equitable asthma and multimorbidity management in EMGs.
- Further research is essential to understand the complex interplay of ethnicity, multimorbidity, and asthma outcomes.
- Addressing health disparities in asthma care requires a deeper insight into the lived experiences of diverse patient populations.
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01:24Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma
Classification of Asthma
01:28Asthma I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
01:13Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations
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01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.