Asthma
New thinking in childhood asthma diagnosis approach
New studies show that over-calculating race risk in asthma diagnostic tools may actually delay diagnosis
A vital aspect of clinical research is ensuring that trial results are applicable to the larger population likely to be impacted by the condition under study. This is accomplished by enrolling a broad spectrum of participants across a variety of demographic groups (age, gender, race, and ethnicity). Understanding how different groups respond (or don’t) to treatments is a key part of the drug approval process. This is especially important when a disease is known to impact certain groups more frequently or intensely than others. Representation also matters for research that looks at how illness is diagnosed.
Asthma, for example, affects millions of adults and children. In the US however, black individuals are 40% more likely to have asthma than white individuals. More troubling is that black children are 8 times more likely to die from asthma than white children. There are a number of reasons for this increased asthma risk that black individuals face:
Environmental factors: Living in areas with higher amounts of air pollution – for example, urban areas with industrial manufacturing. Poor air quality outside the home, and inside the home as well, increases the risk of asthma.
Socioeconomic barriers: Limited access to healthcare services along with insurance issues and transportation challenges can delay timely treatment.
Medical and family history: Conditions such as obesity increase risk of asthma. In addition, children may have been exposed to toxins such as everyday chemicals, when in the womb. Genetic predispositions are also likely contributors to the higher asthma rates seen in black children.
New studies looking at the diagnosis process of asthma in black children have uncovered some surprising findings that may impact how and when asthma is diagnosed in this higher risk group. Historically, asthma has been diagnosed based on data that takes into account demographics such as age, sex, gender and race. Race as a factor was included in the asthma diagnostic calculations given an association between race and variability in lung function.
Though intentions were good, the calculation has recently been revealed to be problematic. It has been demonstrated that there is a good chance that diagnosis could actually be delayed as a result of race-specific calculations. Earlier this year it was found that usage of a race-neutral equation led to nearly 40% increase in asthma detection in black children. Researchers are hopeful that this approach will be adopted given the impact of more timely diagnosis and treatment planning in an already vulnerable population. In fact, in 2023 the American Thoracic Society recommended that all pulmonary function testing labs switch to race-neutral interpretation and results.
An accurate diagnosis of asthma is important – this is what will help establish the treatment plan. If you are concerned about your child and wondering about asthma, talk to a pediatric healthcare provider about asthma testing options.
Published Date March 21, 2025
Latest News
Asthma
New thinking in childhood asthma diagnosis approach
New studies show that over-calculating race risk in asthma diagnostic tools may actually delay diagnosis
2025-03-21T13:51:00Z
Alzheimer's Disease
As America ages, dementia diagnoses poised to double
With humans living longer due to medical breakthroughs, the chance of developing dementia has greatly increased
2025-02-19T13:56:00Z
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Is lassitude affecting your attitude?
The extreme fatigue of MS is so unrelenting that it has its own name: lassitude. What can you do to try and improve this feeling?
2025-01-24T18:58:00Z
Asthma
Breathing easy: the work of an asthma inhaler
Inhalers are lifechanging for people living with asthma and other breathing difficulties
2025-01-07T17:33:00Z
Leukemia (AML)
A simple guide to understanding chemo
Chemo is an effective cancer treatment - but what is it exactly and why does it work?
2024-12-09T14:25:00Z
Eczema
Self-care tips during eczema flare-ups
Eczema can be emotionally draining and physically uncomfortable - learn how self-care can change your outlook
2024-11-26T18:46:00Z
Healthy Volunteers
What is a Phase 1 trial?
Phase 1 trials are necessary first steps on the road to clinical breakthroughs and healthy volunteers can help make these a reality.
2024-11-11T15:35:00Z
Colorectal Cancer
The role of biomarker testing in cancer
Biomarkers can play important roles in cancer treatment, but what are they and what can they tell doctors?
2024-10-16T18:18:00Z
Hypertension
Home-based exercise tips for blood pressure control
Getting heart-healthy physical activity doesn't have to mean running a marathon or joining an expensive gym.
2024-09-08T18:30:00Z
Leukemia (AML)
What helps with nausea besides medicine?
Nausea is an unfortunate aspect of cancer treatment - what may help reduce this side effect?
2024-08-31T18:30:00Z
Healthy Volunteers
Common misconceptions about clinical research
Many people have never participated in a clinical trial so it can be hard to separate fact from myth - here are some of the most common myths debunked.
2024-08-28T21:23:00Z
Obesity
The basics of BMI
BMI, or Body Mass Index, is a standard way to assess weight status - learn why and where it came from
2024-08-22T13:50:00Z
Colorectal Cancer
Why is Colorectal Cancer striking at younger ages?
The number of people being diagnosed with colorectal cancer under the age of 50 has greatly increased - what might be the cause of this troubling trend?
2024-08-14T16:12:00Z
Hypertension
Four foods linked with lower blood pressure
While the foods you eat can raise the risk of developing hypertension, there are also options that can help lower blood pressure.
2024-08-01T18:30:00Z
Obesity
A primer on GLP-1 receptor agonists for weight loss
An overview on select GLP-1 receptor agonist treatments that help promote blood sugar management and weight loss
2024-07-31T18:30:00Z
Multiple Myeloma
Life with a rare disease
Experiencing serious health challenges is difficult enough - having a relatively unknown condition adds additional complexity
2024-07-08T22:02:00Z
Eczema
Atopic Dermatitis: signs and stages
Understanding how atopic dermatitis looks, feels and changes during a flare-up is helpful to patients seeking greater control of their condition
2024-07-01T16:12:00Z
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)
Speaking with your PCP about MASH
Engaging your primary doctor in a conversation about risk for MASH liver disease doesn't have to be scary
2024-06-25T12:15:00Z
Alzheimer's Disease
New Alzheimer’s Disease research breakthroughs
The 2020s have been the most impactful decade so far for the debilitating form of dementia
2024-05-02T18:30:00Z
Breast Cancer
Talking to family about cancer genes
Though this conversation may be difficult, it might be vitally important for your loved ones
2024-02-05T18:30:00Z
Lupus
Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) and Diet
Can what you eat make a difference?
2024-04-15T18:30:00Z
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)
Learning you need a liver biopsy: staying calm
Approaches to stay in control before, during and after a biopsy
2023-12-27T18:30:00Z
Diabetes
The recent rise of walking as exercise
Grab your sneakers, grab a friend, or grab your dog and get moving!
2023-12-05T18:30:00Z
Renal Cell Carcinoma
Coping with the holidays during cancer treatment
Getting ready to face a new year while facing cancer is no easy task
2023-11-23T18:30:00Z
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Possible link between multiple sclerosis and viral infection?
Researchers are looking to learn more about if and how a virus can trigger multiple sclerosis
2023-10-25T18:30:00Z
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)
Making lifestyle changes: ten ideas to get started
Losing excess weight together with an active lifestyle helps with the management of MASH, but where to begin?
2023-09-05T18:30:00Z
Lung Cancer
Talking to loved ones about your clinical trial
How to talk to family and friends when you are thinking of changing cancer treatment plans for a research option
2023-08-14T18:30:00Z
Lung Cancer
Learning you have lung cancer as a non-smoker
Lung cancer can be a shocking diagnosis when you've never smoked - how can it be?
2023-08-15T18:30:00Z
Prostate Cancer
Does a high PSA score always mean cancer?
Learn more about this common test for older men and how it relates to cancer risk
2023-07-10T18:30:00Z
Breast Cancer
Understanding the differences between mastectomy and lumpectomy
Two different surgical options both seeking the same outcome
2023-07-07T18:30:00Z
Lupus
New treatments are on the horizon for lupus patients
From biologics to CAR-T, developments in clinical research for SLE have opened new treatment doors for patients.
2023-05-22T16:15:00Z
Multiple Myeloma
Understanding eligibility criteria for clinical research studies
Clinical trials utilize sets of criteria to determine if a person is a good fit - but what are these and what do they mean?
2023-04-05T18:30:00Z
Renal Cell Carcinoma
Learning you need a biopsy: staying calm
Approaches to stay in control before, during and after a diagnostic biopsy
2023-03-14T18:30:00Z
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH)
Making lifestyle changes: ten ideas to get started
Pharmaceutical companies are rushing to fill the NASH treatment gap
2023-03-14T18:30:00Z