Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 23, 2026
14:39
Bronchial Thermoplasty: A Novel Therapeutic Approach to Severe Asthma
Published on: November 4, 2010
Asthma in a Vietnamese refugee population
A L Ries1, M A Picchi, L H Nguyen
1Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, USA.
Summary
This study found a 4.9% asthma prevalence in Vietnamese refugees, identifying traditional therapies like bleeding and herbal ingestion as risk factors. Understanding these cultural practices is key for targeted health education.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Public Health
- Asian American Health
Background:
- Asians and Pacific Islanders are a growing U.S. minority group with limited health data.
- Asthma prevalence, risk factors, and treatment patterns are understudied in specific Asian subgroups.
- Vietnamese refugees represent a unique population for studying health conditions in a new environment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To estimate asthma prevalence in a Vietnamese refugee population in San Diego.
- To identify potential risk factors associated with asthma in this demographic.
- To understand the treatment modalities, including traditional practices, used by Vietnamese asthmatics.
Main Methods:
- An epidemiologic study involving 2,536 new Vietnamese refugees.
- Identification of 124 asthma cases.
- A case-control study with two non-asthmatic control groups, using a Vietnamese-administered questionnaire.
Main Results:
- Asthma prevalence was 4.9% (49 per 1,000) in the studied Vietnamese refugee population.
- Asthmatic subjects reported significantly higher use of bleeding and herbal ingestion compared to current-refugee controls.
- Significant associations were found between asthma and oil inhalation, bleeding, and herbal ingestion when compared to former-refugee controls.
Conclusions:
- Asthma presentation and recognition in Vietnamese refugees are comparable to other populations.
- Specific traditional health practices (bleeding, herbal ingestion, oil inhalation) are associated with asthma in this group.
- Findings can inform the development of culturally sensitive asthma health-education programs for Vietnamese communities.
Related Concept Videos
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...
01:24Asthma-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
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
The diagnosis and management of asthma are comprehensive, encompassing clinical assessments, lung function tests, and pharmacological interventions. Here's an overview:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
01:30Asthma-IV: Nursing Management
The nursing management of asthma is a comprehensive approach that relies heavily on the expertise and dedication of healthcare professionals. It involves thorough assessment, accurate diagnosis, strategic planning, effective implementation, and diligent evaluation. By meticulously following this step-by-step process, healthcare professionals play a crucial role in providing the best possible care and treatment for patients with asthma, enhancing their overall health and well-being.
First, in...
First, in...
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...
01:13Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations
Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...