Asthma Disparities: Hidden Drivers and Practical Solutions for Clinicians

Asthma affects over 26 million people in the U.S., yet outcomes can vary dramatically based on factors beyond disease severity. This episode explores the critical gap between diagnosis and optimal asthma control, focusing on how socioeconomic status, access to care, and environmental exposures shape patient outcomes. Through a mock case study, we examine disparities in healthcare access, allergist availability, and treatment adherence, alongside key topics such as epidemiology, risk stratification, environmental trigger identification, diagnostic testing and interpretation, and guideline-based management. The discussion highlights the role of allergic sensitization in asthma pathophysiology and emphasizes the importance of comprehensive specific IgE testing in identifying root causes. Clinicians will gain actionable strategies to improve diagnosis, implement cost-effective interventions, and optimize asthma management directly within primary care settings. Resources and references: https://www.thermofisher.com/phadia/us/en/resources/immunocast/asthma-management-disparities-ige-testing-primary-care.html?cid=0ct_3pc_05032024_9SGOV4