Sarah Meyer Hughes, Author at Respiratory Health Association

New Study Reveals Widening Racial Gaps Among Chicago Children with Asthma

Posted on May 17, 2022May 17, 2022 by Sarah Meyer Hughes

Young boy taking an inhaler with a spacer or holding chamber attached

Black children are more than four times as likely to end up in a hospital emergency room due to asthma than white children, according to latest data.

Chicago has long been known as an epicenter for asthma, with higher rates of the disease in minority communities on the city’s south and west sides. A new report examining data from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) shows little progress in addressing these disparities, with even more troubling trends among children.

The report, released today by Respiratory Health Association (RHA), focuses on the rates of asthma-related emergency department (ED) visits from 2016 to 2021, and follows up on a report released in 2018. It documents increasing racial health disparities among Chicago children.

Between 2016 and 2021, there were 23,550 asthma-related ED visits among Chicago children 19 years old and younger. Most of those visits, 70% (16,436), were among school age children 5-19 years. In total, Black children accounted for 53% of these 16,436 asthma-related ED visits. In children 4 years old and younger, 40% of visits were by Black children.

“Every child should have the same opportunity to breathe easy, and it’s clear we need to do more to understand and address the disparities,” said Joel Africk, RHA’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “It’s unfair these kids have to miss out on time with classmates and friends – and fall behind – just because of their asthma.”

While disparities in asthma-related ED visits exist across all races, the greatest gaps are between Black and white children – and that gap increased during the latest reporting period. As of 2021, Black children ages 5 to 19 years old were 4.3 times more likely to have an asthma-related ED visit than white children. This is a 9% increase from the gap previously reported in 2016.

Additionally, there were 3,148 ambulance visits to schools for asthma-related emergencies where race was documented. In these cases, 84% of students requiring an ED visit were Black. Notably, just 36% of Chicago Public School students are Black.

Having an inhaler on hand in school is important for kids with asthma.

“Unfortunately, many Chicago area kids are feeling some of the worst effects from asthma,” noted Erica Salem, Senior Director, Strategy, Programs and Policy at RHA. “It’s crucial to support more research into these racial disparities and expand community- and school-based asthma programming. With the City of Chicago aiming to eliminate racial health disparities, an investment in asthma is long overdue.”

The report’s release comes during Asthma Awareness Month, observed every May to help people learn about the disease and discuss ways to control it. A combination of asthma education and proper treatment have been shown to help kids manage their asthma and live well.

You can read RHA’s full report on childhood asthma disparities in Chicago here.

Respiratory Health Association Hosts 25th Annual Hustle Chicago® Charity Stair Climb

Posted on May 12, 2022 by Sarah Meyer Hughes

The Hustle Chicago Event will raise funds for lung health and clean air programs throughout the Chicago area and across Illinois

Chicago, IL – May 5, 2022 – More than 900 people will make their way to Soldier Field Sunday, May 15 to support lung health and clean air programs. Hustle Chicago® charity stair climb, formerly known as Hustle Up the Hancock, returns outdoors for a second year while celebrating 25 years of making a difference in the fight against lung disease.

“We are excited to celebrate a milestone year for Hustle, a Chicago tradition that has raised over $22 million for Respiratory Health Association since 1998,” said Joel Africk, President and Chief Executive Officer. “These funds support educational programs that help people living with diseases like asthma and COPD, research into new treatments for lung cancer, and efforts to reduce air pollution in our communities.”

Participants in the climb come from all walks of life and many are personally impacted by lung disease, including Maureen Campbell, a resident of La Grange. Maureen was inspired by her mother’s fight against lung cancer to climb her first Hustle in 2018.

“Lung cancer is the number one cancer killer and the least funded,” says Campbell, who is climbing at her fifth Hustle this year. “I’m still angry that this horrible disease took my mom. She did everything right. I’m fueled by a desire to help people living with lung disease and for more research that can save lives.”

Climbers at Soldier Field will take the stairs in the stadium’s upper level, looping around as many times as they can in 20-minute waves. Each stairway is approximately 104-110 steps, and 7-8 full loops would equal the 1,632 stairs taken at Hustle’s traditional venue, 875 N. Michigan Ave. Climbers and guests will also enjoy a post-climb party under the stadium’s historic columns.

“More than two million people in Illinois live with lung disease, and many more have not yet been diagnosed,” continued Africk. “The Hustle Chicago® stair climb is a great opportunity for people to enjoy a unique venue, get some exercise, and most importantly make an impact on people living with lung disease. It’s always remarkable to see climbers dedicate their time and energy this way.”

People can still support this year’s event by signing up as a virtual climber or by donating to a participant’s fundraising campaign. Learn more at resphealth.org/hustle.

###

About Respiratory Health Association
A public health leader since 1906, Respiratory Health Association (RHA) is dedicated to its mission of preventing lung disease, promoting clean air and helping people live better lives through education, research and policy change. To achieve that goal, RHA collaborates with researchers in pursuit of new treatments and cures for disease like asthma, COPD and lung cancer; empowers adults and children by teaching them skills to manage their health; delivers evidence-based tobacco cessation programs; and works with lawmakers to craft innovative policies that build a more equitable and sustainable future. Learn more at resphealth.org.

COPD and the Benefits of Proper Inhaler Use

Posted on May 4, 2022 by Sarah Meyer Hughes

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of chronic lung diseases, including emphysema and bronchitis, that block airflow in the lungs. Damaged lungs and mucus buildup make it hard for the lungs to spread oxygen to the rest of the body, which makes breathing difficult for people living with COPD. While there is no cure for COPD, it can be managed. One way to manage it is by controlling symptoms through medications.

Inhalers and inhalation therapies are the primary medication treatments for COPD. Medications help treat symptoms, control complications, reduce flare-ups, and increase the time between flare-ups (i). However, these benefits can only be reached when the inhaler device is used correctly. Incorrect inhaler use can occur in nearly 50% of cases (i) and can be attributed to several factors:

Patient characteristics (cognitive condition, self-efficacy, co-morbidities)
Social factors (provider-patient relationship, access, support, training, follow-up)
Medication treatment (device, methods, dosing, side effects) (i)

These factors, combined or by themselves, can lead to critical errors of inhaler use. Common errors include:

Not inhaling through the device
Blowing on a device that has a powder ready to be inhaled
Insufficient inhalation duration or force
Not holding the device correctly (ii)

When a patient misuses his or her inhaler, medication can’t be delivered properly and minimizes the benefits. When a medication is not used to achieve full benefits, patients may feel that it’s not working and stop using it. This non-adherence can then lead to flare-ups, worsening symptoms, and even hospitalizations (iii).

There are several strategies that can help improve and achieve correct inhaler use. It’s important to speak with your healthcare provider about how to correctly use the prescribed inhaler. At your next medical appointment, be sure to bring the inhaler and show your provider how you use it. This allows your provider to correct any mistakes and gives you the opportunity to ask any questions. There are many types of inhaler devices, so be honest about your lifestyle when speaking with you provider. They’ll be able to prescribe a device that suits your needs and lifestyle.

It may be a good idea to create and maintain a routine to ensure you stick to your dosing schedule. While inhalers may not fit in regular pillboxes, they can be stored next to them or in view of other medications. It’s important to continue using your prescribed medications even if you start feeling better. Always consult your provider before stopping any medication use. (iv)

Medications are essential to managing a COPD diagnosis. Correct inhaler techniques, honest conversations with healthcare professionals, and adhering to medication routines can help you live better with COPD.

Citations:

i Jardim, J. R., & Nascimento, O. A. (2019, April 1). The importance of inhaler adherence to prevent COPD exacerbations. Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland). Retrieved March 10, 2022, from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6524014/#:~:text=Poor%20adherence%20to%20asthma%20treatment,outco mes%20for%20patients%2C%20and%20reducing
ii Price, D., Bosnic-Anticevich, S., Briggs, A., Chrystyn, H., Rand, C., Scheuch, G., & Bousquet, J. (2012, October 23). Inhaler competence in asthma: Common errors, barriers to use and recommended solutions. Respiratory Medicine. Retrieved March 10, 2022, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0954611112003587
iii Schreiber, J., Sonnenburg, T., & Luecke, E. (2020, August 20). Inhaler devices in asthma and COPD patients – a prospective cross-sectional study on inhaler preferences and error rates – BMC Pulmonary Medicine. BMC Pulmonary Medicine. Retrieved March 11, 2022, from https://bmcpulmmed.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12890-020-01246-z
iv George, M. (2018, June 1). Adherence in asthma and COPD: New strategies for an old problem. American Association for Respiratory Care. Retrieved March 11, 2022, from http://rc.rcjournal.com/content/63/6/818

FDA’s Proposed Rules to Prohibit Menthol Cigarettes and Flavored Cigars Will Protect Lung Health

Posted on April 28, 2022April 28, 2022 by Sarah Meyer Hughes

Today the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed product standards that ban menthol as a characterizing flavor in cigarettes and ban all characterizing flavors (including menthol) in cigars. The decision comes as the result of a citizen complaint filed by public health organizations and over a decade of advocacy efforts.

“Respiratory Health Association applauds the FDA’s decision to move forward with greater regulation of these harmful tobacco products,” commented Joel Africk, RHA’s President & Chief Executive Officer. “We continue to fight to reduce the burden of tobacco-related lung illnesses in our communities and believe removing menthol products from store shelves is the right thing to do.”

The less harsh, mint-like flavoring of menthol products makes them easier to smoke and often appeals to younger or new smokers. Additionally, tobacco companies have historically marketed these products to teens and in minority communities. Studies have shown as many as 70% of teen smokers use menthol cigarettes. Of Black smokers, nearly 85% smoke menthol cigarettes compared to 30% of all white smokers – contributing to health disparities including risk for lung disease. In total, an estimated 18.6 million current smokers use menthol cigarettes.

“Big Tobacco – a multi-billion-dollar industry – has long used menthol flavoring to target new smokers and minority communities,” continued Africk. “The FDA’s move will prevent a new generation of smokers, help address significant lung health inequities, and save lives.”

The FDA’s rules also offer protections to consumers, as enforcement will only address manufacturers, distributors, and retailers. RHA looks forward to President Biden’s administration finalizing these new rules – and helping implement a policy that focuses on improving lung health and holding the tobacco industry accountable instead of criminalizing individual use of these products.

For media inquiries, please contact Joe Siebelts at jsiebelts@resphealth.org or (312) 628-0204.

Respiratory Health Association has been a local public health leader in Illinois since 1906, focusing on lung health and clean air issues. RHA works to prevent lung disease, promote clean air, and help people live better through education, research, and policy change. As a policy leader, RHA is committed to advancing innovative and meaningful tobacco control policies. We have been one of the state’s leading advocates for federal oversight of tobacco and vaping products, smoke-free laws, Tobacco 21, and other tobacco product policies.

JTV Partners with RHA for Women’s Lung Health

Posted on April 25, 2022April 25, 2022 by Sarah Meyer Hughes

Living with lung disease not only affects your breathing, but your peace of mind as well. Lung disease is the fourth leading cause of death in the United States.

Women, in particular, are at a greater risk of developing lung disease than men. Nearly 21 million U.S. women live with lung diseases like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and pulmonary fibrosis. Millions more have early symptoms.

The numbers are breathtaking:

More than 13 million women in the U.S. have asthma – accounting for 65 percent of all adults with asthma
An average of 193 women die each day of lung cancer, one every 7 minutes.
An estimated 8.5 million U.S. women are living with COPD. Today, more women die of COPD each year than men.

Despite the data, women’s lung disease research is drastically underfunded compared to other causes of death. This disparity in funding leads to fewer treatment options and poorer health outcomes. At a time when lung health couldn’t be more important, we want to generate awareness about women’s lung disease and raise funds for ongoing research efforts.

“Women’s lung health is the public health crisis no one is talking about. One out of every six women in the United States is living with chronic lung disease such as asthma, COPD, or lung cancer, yet federal research funding for these diseases is severely lacking,” says Joel Africk, President and CEO at Respiratory Health Association (RHA).

Table that shows disease funding and mortality rates

Despite lung disease as a top cause of death, lung disease research is drastically underfunded.

To address this disparity, RHA launched its Catch Your Breath® Women and Lung Health Initiative.

Lynn Kotsiantos originally inspired the Catch Your Breath campaign. Lynn was a non-smoking, healthy mother of three shocked to learn that she had lung cancer. After a nine-month struggle, she passed away in April 2003 at the age of 42.

In her honor, Catch Your Breath® continues as a women’s lung health awareness campaign. Catch Your Breath® raises awareness and funding for lung health research and programs. To improve treatments, Catch Your Breath® advocates for increased funding for research to better understand lung disease. Additionally, the initiative educates the public and medical professionals about the disproportionate effects of lung disease on women.

One component of the Catch Your Breath® campaign is a partnership with Jewelry Television (JTV) to support women’s lung health.

Throughout the month of May, JTV is offering a variety of promotions to its customers to support RHA and the Catch Your Breath® initiative, including a butterfly keychain. For each piece sold, JTV will donate 50% of the sales price to RHA.

To locate JTV on your local cable provider, click here for the channel finder. JTV also livestreams daily broadcasts on its website.

“Our partnership with JTV is an important part of our women’s lung health campaign because we can reach such a large audience – it is critical we get people talking about this issue and work to turn the tide in the fight against lung disease,” explains Africk.

Visit womenslunghealth.org to help every woman breathe easier.

Our Sponsors

Give today to support our fight against lung disease.

Lung Disease and Telemedicine

Posted on February 8, 2022February 10, 2022 by Sarah Meyer Hughes

Telemedicine is a useful service that connects people with physicians when in-person visits may not be possible. It digitally delivers services to patients using devices like computers and smartphones. It allows patients to see and talk to their providers without being in the office. Common uses of telemedicine include follow up visits, chronic disease management, consultations, and medication management. If you live with lung disease, telemedicine can be an important part of staying healthy.

Telemedicine has grown significantly in recent years. It has become even more important during the COVID-19 pandemic. It allows patients to avoid crowded waiting rooms and practice social distancing when infection rates may be surging. People are also able to avoid the need to drive, take the bus, or take other forms of transportation.

Is telemedicine effective?

Telemedicine is both beneficial and effective for specific services. These include behavioral health therapy, counseling patients with chronic conditions, and home monitoring for patients with chronic conditions[i]. Recent studies found it also improves access to care, reduces wait times, and provides faster treatment[ii]. While telemedicine is useful, there are still appointments that need to take place at a doctor’s office or hospital. These visits include blood work, imaging tests, and physical exams. Talk to your doctor to learn more.

How can I prepare for an appointment?

Most visits require some type of video ability. You can use any device that has audio-video capabilities and an internet connection. Devices include smartphones, computers, or tablets. After the appointment is scheduled, you’ll receive directions to log on for your visit. The physician will start the visit with a few questions to confirm your identity and will then move on to the main reason for the visit.

To prepare for your visit, follow these tips:

Write down your questions and concerns beforehand.
If you have an informal family caregiver, ask them to join you.
Test drive your equipment (computer, tablet, phone) before the appointment.
Find a quiet spot with plenty of light to take the appointment.
Be prepared to tell your provider about your family and medical history.
Have as many of your vital numbers on hand as possible (weight, temperature, blood pressure, etc.)
Try to be specific when describing symptoms or signs.
Have pen and paper handy to write down any important notes.
Have all your medications or a current list within reach during the appointment.

Does insurance cover these services?

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) expanded telemedicine coverage for people during the COVID-19 public health emergency. These temporary expanded services allowed people to access health care services from home, across state lines, and see new doctors if needed. In November 2021, CMS approved continued coverage for some of these services through December 2023[iii]. You can read the full list online.

Click here to download our fact sheet with references.

COVID-19 Booster: A Vaccine Update

Posted on February 4, 2022February 4, 2022 by Sarah Meyer Hughes

In November 2021, the FDA and CDC approved COVID-19 booster vaccines for all adults 18 and older. Any adult who previously received a full dose of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna vaccines is now eligible for the booster. Johnson & Johnson booster vaccines have also been approved.

woman reads from tablet on couch

The booster vaccine is an important piece in continuing immunity to COVID-19. Over time, the body’s immune response to the first series of vaccines decreases resulting in less protection. An additional dose, or a booster, can help extend a person’s immunity against the virus. It does this by creating a stronger and faster immune response and provides additional coverage against new variants. As immunity fades, the risk for contracting COVID-19 increases. For adults over 65 and people with compromised immune systems, the additional vaccine may be needed to ready the immune system. The booster vaccine formulation is the same as the original COVID-19 vaccines, with the exception of the Moderna booster, which is half the dose of the original vaccines.

People who received the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine should get their booster at least five (Pfizer) or six (Moderna) months after completing the second shot in the initial series. If adults received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, they should get their booster at least two months after their initial vaccination. The FDA has also authorized people to “mix and match” their booster vaccine . For example, someone who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine may get a Pfizer or Moderna booster. This gives people more of a choice when scheduling their boosters and allows pharmacies and doctors’ offices to reach more people. Be sure to talk to your doctor about what is best for you.

Will I Experience Side Effects?

There may be a few side effects after receiving the booster shot. Symptoms are similar to previous vaccines – swelling or redness at the injection site, fever, headaches, muscle pain, or fatigue. These side effects, and other symptoms that may occur, are the body’s natural response to the vaccine. They are a good sign that the immune system is gearing up to fight off the virus.

How Will the Booster Help Me?

Preliminary data from Pfizer suggest that three doses (the original two vaccines plus the booster) increase the level of protection against variant infections. Even though breakthrough cases may still occur, the outcomes to date have been far less severe. This includes fewer hospitalizations and deaths among people who have received a booster.

If you need help scheduling your booster vaccine, you can contact the same place that set up your original vaccines. You can also call your doctor, pharmacy, health department, or even the local grocery store to see if they have available appointments. Remember to take your CDC-issued vaccine card to document your booster.

To further reduce risk of COVID-19, continue to wear your mask in indoor public spaces and around large crowds. You should also continue to wash your hands regularly. Finally, encourage family and friends to receive their vaccines as they are able.

Please click here for the full article with references.

Christmas Trees and Asthma Flare-ups

Posted on January 5, 2022January 5, 2022 by Sarah Meyer Hughes

Do your allergies get worse around the holidays? Your Christmas tree may be to blame. Both real and artificial Christmas trees can cause allergy and asthma flare-ups. Real trees, regardless of type, can collect allergens and spores prior to being cut down. When they are cut down, they’re sprayed down with water, bundled, and packed for delivery to a tree seller. Unfortunately, this process allows mold to grow along the way.

Artificial trees may trigger asthma and allergy episodes as well. When unpacked, new trees can release chemicals into the air. Older trees may gather dust from being in storage all year. Packing and storing artificial Christmas trees in airtight containers can help reduce the amount of dust that collects.

There are a few steps you can take to minimize the risk of an asthma flare-up related to your Christmas tree:

1. Real or artificial, air out your tree before you set it up inside.

2. Try to wait until December to put up your tree. Mold starts to grow rapidly after a week inside the home.

3. Spraying your real tree with a half water, half vinegar solution can help cut down mold.

4. Wipe down your artificial tree (and other decorations) with a damp cloth to remove dust and allergens.

5. You can wear a face mask when setting up and taking down your tree and decorations can reduce the risk of a flare-up.

6. After disposing or packing your tree up, make sure to thoroughly vacuum and dust the area.

7. Make sure you have your asthma medications handy just in case you do have an asthma flare-up.