Asthma is reaching epidemic levels in the U.S., with 8 percent of the total population and 10 percent of the African-American population suffering from this disease. Obesity rates are also increasing, now affecting 34 percent of the population. A new study presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology annual meeting in Phoenix, Nov. 11-16, found that obese and super obese adults were significantly more likely to have asthma than normal weight or overweight (but not obese) adults. “An aggressive intervention for weight loss is an important adjunctive strategy for the treatment of patients with asthma,” study authors say.

Title: Obesity and Super Obesity are Associated with Increased Risk of Asthma in an Inner City Population
Lead Author: Allergist Sara Fitzpatrick, MD ACAAI Member
Co-Authors; Allergists Rauno Joks, MD, ACAAI Member and Arlene Schneider, MD, ACAAI Fellow

By the numbers:
Asthma increases the odds of healthcare use in obese people by 33 percent. Asthma prevalence is 20 percent higher in African Americans than in Caucasians.

Consumers can take a simple online test to gauge their asthma symptoms and obtain a personalized plan on how to get relief at http://www.AllergyAndAsthmaRelief.org.

About ACAAI
The ACAAI is a professional medical organization headquartered in Arlington Heights, Ill., that promotes excellence in the practice of the subspecialty of allergy and immunology. The College, comprising more than 5,000 allergists-immunologists and related health care professionals, fosters a culture of collaboration and congeniality in which its members work together and with others toward the common goals of patient care, education, advocacy and research.

Follow the ACCAI annual meeting on Twitter at #ACAAI2010.

The ACAAI Press Room is located in Room 121B at the Phoenix Convention Center, November 12 - 15, 2010; phone 602-514-5360, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

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Source:  American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI)