A study into the effectiveness of asthma treatments has highlighted some interesting results regarding the significance of a patient’s race. The National Jewish Medical Research Centre carried out a study into the results of asthma treatments in asthmatic and non-asthmatic African-Americans and found that they needed a higher dose in order to reap the benefits. It is believed that African-American’s may have a predisposed medical response which causes them to be more difficult to treat for asthma. Despite the severity of the condition in the participants, higher doses of glucocorticoid were needed than that for Caucasians in order to inhibit the creation of inflammatory cells.
There was a similar degree of airflow limitation in both groups, as well as comparable controller medication requirements but African-American’s required more of the glucocorticoid treatment in order to limit the lymphocyte production. This was also found to be the case in patients of both groups who did not have asthma. This could lead to poor control of the condition, resulting in an increased risk of asthma-related morbidity and mortality in modern society. Further studies need to be undertaken in order to see if different medications could offer a more effective treatment of this respiratory disease. It has been noted that it is too early to say whether simply increasing the dosage of this medication can provide the desired results.
Asthma is a condition which affects millions of people across the world, both adults and children alike, and is exacerbated by poor diets, lack of exercise and air-borne pollutants. Without a good grasp on the ways to treat this condition, scientists will be unable to treat patients and reduce the mortality rate. Studies such as this trial can provide valuable information into how to achieve this to help people manage the condition and ensure a healthy lifestyle.
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