UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Minority ethnic groups in deprived English areas face up to three times higher emergency asthma admissions than white patients, Asthma and Lung UK find.
As reported by The Guardian, a new analysis reveals that people from ethnic minority groups living in deprived regions face a threefold higher risk of asthma-related emergency care than white people.
What did Asthma and Lung UK reveal about emergency admissions?
A recent review by Asthma and Lung UK shows that Asians with asthma living in England’s poorest areas have nearly triple the emergency admission rate compared to white patients.
According to the analysis, people aged 45-54 with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in the poorest areas are nine times more likely to require emergency care. This is compared to those in the least deprived areas.
One in five people in Britain will experience a lung condition in their lifetime, with asthma affecting one in nine adults and one in eight children.
Asthma and Lung UK surveyed over 9,000 people with lung conditions across England. revealed that 34.2% of those experiencing material deprivation had to use emergency care in the past year. Nearly 17% of participants reported difficulty keeping their homes warm, with the figure climbing to 28.2% for renters.
What did Sarah Sleet say about health inequalities and lung conditions?
Sarah Sleet, Asthma and Lung UK chief executive stated the numbers highlighted “shocking health inequalities in our society.”
She said,
“The UK has the worst death rate in Europe for lung conditions and they are more closely linked to inequality than any other major health condition. The fact that people from the most deprived communities and from ethnic minority backgrounds are much more likely to reach crisis point is yet another wake-up call.”
Ms Sleet added,
“Social disadvantages – including poor housing, mould, damp and air pollution – can both cause chronic lung conditions and make them worse. And it’s the poorest in society and those in ethnic minority communities who are more likely to be living in low-quality housing and in areas with high levels of air pollution.”
She described the government’s 10-year plan for the NHS as an essential chance to prioritize respiratory care.
Ms Sleet said,
“People with lung conditions need quick, accurate diagnoses and access to treatment and services enabling them to manage their condition well, improve their quality of life and remain part of the workforce for longer,”
adding,
“This means action to cut smoking rates and support smokers to quit, tackle air pollution and address wider issues such as poor housing.”
What did Dr Farne say about health inequalities and urgent action?
Dr Hugo Farne, a respiratory consultant at Imperial College stated the figures showed a “deeply troubling reality.”
He said,
“These figures are not just statistics – they reflect lives being cut short or limited by health inequalities that should not exist in modern Britain. There will be many reasons for this, including higher rates of smoking, increased exposure to air pollution, poor indoor air quality due to damp, health literacy, and variable access to GPs, stop-smoking services and vaccination, particularly where there are language and cultural barriers. These are largely preventable.”
Mr Farne added,
“These figures are a clear sign that healthcare support is not reaching those who need it most. This requires urgent action, not only on healthcare access and provision for disadvantaged communities but also targeted public health interventions addressing housing, heating and the social determinants of health.”
Key details about asthma
- 7.2 million people have asthma in the UK.
- This equates to approximately 8 in every 100 people.
Symptoms of asthma:
- Wheezing
- Breathlessness
- Cough
- Tight chest
- Asthma attacks
Triggers of asthma symptoms:
- Exercise
- Allergens
- Changes in weather
- Each person with asthma may have their own unique set of triggers.