The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, in collaboration with the Asthma Coalition of Los Angeles County, has published a report titled “Breathless: Impact of Asthma on Children in Los Angeles County.” This report highlights the profound and ongoing effects of asthma on children and families across the county.
According to data from the 2023 Los Angeles County Health Survey, approximately 7.3% of children aged 0 to 17 are diagnosed with asthma. The prevalence is notably higher among Black/African American children at 9.5% and those of Latino descent at 8%, compared to their peers from other racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Emergency Care and Socioeconomic Disparities
The report reveals alarming statistics regarding emergency care. Children under the age of five are nearly twice as likely to require visits to emergency departments or urgent care facilities for asthma symptoms compared to older children.
Additionally, children from households with incomes below the federal poverty level face even greater asthma rates than those from higher-income families. The findings indicate that young children frequently miss preschool or daycare due to asthma-related issues, highlighting the disease’s impact on their early development and education.
The report emphasizes the disproportionate burden asthma places on families, particularly in historically underserved communities.
Contributing Factors and Healthcare Access
Several factors contribute to an individual’s risk for developing asthma. The report identifies exposure to secondhand smoke, proximity to heavily trafficked roads, and the presence of allergens such as mold as significant contributors.
Barbara Ferrer, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, remarked, “Too many children in Los Angeles County continue to face daily challenges due to asthma, an illness that is both preventable and manageable.” She stresses the urgent need to address the inequities that result in poor asthma outcomes.
The report highlights critical issues regarding healthcare access. Many children lack consistent access to essential asthma management tools, including inhalers and asthma action plans.
Moreover, children in neighborhoods with elevated air pollution levels, particularly those near major freeways and industrial areas, experience the most severe asthma symptoms. Poor housing conditions, characterized by mold, pests, and inadequate ventilation, further exacerbate asthma flare-ups, especially in low-income communities.
Scott H. Takahashi, co-chair of the Asthma Coalition of Los Angeles County, stated, “These data provide critical insight into the ongoing disparities faced by children with asthma across our county.” He called on policymakers, community organizations, and schools to collaborate in providing families with the necessary information and resources to manage asthma effectively.
The report advocates for strengthened public-private partnerships aimed at reducing health disparities, improving asthma management, and creating healthier environments for children and families.
The complete report, “Breathless: Impact of Asthma on Children in Los Angeles County,” is available for review on the Department of Public Health’s website at ph.lacounty.gov/asthma.