Sponsored by Genentech

Presented by:

Randy W. Hawkins MD

Audra J. Johnson, PhD, Medical Science Liaison

Black Americans bear a significant burden of having Asthma. This session provided expert insight into how to manage this condition.

Did you know six-time Olympic medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee had asthma? She won three Olympic gold medals and set multiple world records. She was named the ‘Greatest Female Athlete of the 20th Century’ by Sports Illustrated. She did not let her asthma limit her accomplishments and you shouldn’t either.

Dr. Hawkins highlighted the importance of education, empowerment, and knowledge and inspired the audience to take control of your asthma so it doesn’t control you.

What is asthma and how do we recognize it?

Asthma is a common disease. If asthma were a tree, the tree trunk would be your windpipe and the tree branches would be the bronchioles which conduct air into the lungs and blood.  You have two lungs and their job is to get oxygen into the blood and tissues so the body can get rid of carbon dioxide.

Asthma is a condition where the “tree branches” get narrow from inflammation which causes symptoms. Some symptoms may include cough, mucus production, chest pain and pressure, and shortness of breath with rest or with physical activity.

When someone has an asthma exacerbation, that means there’s a flare-up of symptoms that may impact daily activities such as going to work or school. We want to avoid exacerbations.

What are common asthma triggers?

Triggers are the things that make you more likely to have a flare-up of your asthma. Everyone is different so it’s important to recognize what your triggers are. Knowing your triggers can help you avoid them and use prevention as a treatment for your condition.

Common asthma triggers

• Airborne triggers such as air pollution, cold air, and seasonal changes
• Allergens
  • Outdoor allergens include trees, grass, and pollen
  • Indoor allergens include dust mites, animals/pets, cockroaches
  • Irritants such as household cleaners
• Infections
  • Colds
  • Viruses
• Exercise
• Emotional stressors such as stress, anxiety, and trauma
• Certain medications

Knowing your body allows you to control your asthma so it doesn’t control you.

How has allergic asthma impacted the black community?

Asthma is more common in the African American community and we have more severe types. Asthma exacerbations are one of the top reasons why children miss school and people miss work. Many of us have other high-risk health problems such as diabetes in addition to asthma.

If your asthma flares, it may cause your other conditions to flare which can lead to disability and death. It is important to understand your body and how asthma impacts you, especially as African Americans who are at higher risk for most chronic health conditions.

Tips for Living with Asthma from Dr. Hawkins

• Take control by educating yourself and others about asthma
• Empower yourself to use what you learn to help take care of yourself and the ones you care about
• Communicate your expectations to your provider
• Collaborate with your healthcare team to develop an action plan
• Help your provider by engaging in your care because medicine is not magic