Asthma is affecting Latinos in greater numbers than other population groups, which demonstrates a greater need for affordable health care because Latinos also as a population have less health insurance.
More than 8 percent of the U.S. Latino population suffers from asthma — and the number continues to grow, Fox News Latino reports. It also says, “According to the American Lung Association, over 3 million Hispanics suffer from the debilitating condition. And even though it is a very treatable one, the biggest hurdle for Latinos with asthma to overcome is getting access to necessary treatment.”
“The Affordable Care Act will definitely be a plus,” Evelyn Montalvo Stanton, a pediatric pulmonologist, told Fox News Latino. “It’s not only having medical insurance; it’s also having guidance, education, and prevention programs… It’s about empowering these families to take care of their health.”
Barbara Kaplan, director of asthma education at the American Lung Association, said there are not enough studies that examine how asthma is impacting Latinos.
Among Latinos, Puerto Ricans are the hardest hit, with 16.5 percent showing signs of the affliction. Mexicans reported 7 percent. “One thing we can control is genetics, and asthma tends to run in families,” said Kaplan. “This is particularly interesting in the Latino community and why we see higher rates in Puerto Ricans.”
