Asthma awareness within the South Asian community is a crucial yet often under-discussed topic. Many South Asian families may not fully understand the prevalence, symptoms, or management of asthma, partly due to cultural barriers and limited access to tailored health information. This lack of awareness can lead to delayed diagnoses, inadequate treatment, and significant health impacts.
Addressing these gaps involves not only increasing education about asthma's symptoms and treatment options but also promoting culturally sensitive approaches to healthcare that resonate with South Asian values and practices. Raising awareness can empower individuals and families to seek timely medical help, manage asthma more effectively, and improve overall respiratory health in the community.
Challenges that South Asian families face in managing Asthma
Laura King, BN(Hons) RN(Child), Senior Children & Young People's Asthma Practitioner for North-East London, highlights the challenges South Asian families face in managing asthma, particularly due to language barriers and differing perceptions. She explained, "Many South Asian families view conditions like asthma and allergies as nonexistent, making it difficult to communicate risks. There's also a preference for natural remedies, but asthma involves airway inflammation that requires steroids for management. Early treatment with inhalers is effective and carries minimal risks, whereas delays can lead to severe attacks needing potent oral steroids with greater risks."
Addressing the disparity in asthma treatment access among South Asian families, she noted, “Data shows that more Asian children are hospitalised with asthma attacks, especially in deprived areas. When information isn’t accessible, managing asthma becomes very difficult. Isolated communities often rely on peer support, which can be influenced by older beliefs that conditions like asthma don’t really exist.”
Importance of cultural dynamics
Speaking about the cultural dynamics and stigma about Asthma in South Asian community, Professor Monica Lakhanpaul, Honorary Consultant Paediatrician Whittington NHS Trust said, “When South Asian children in the UK still have asthma hospitalisation rates three times those of the majority White population and are more likely to suffer uncontrolled symptoms, have hospital admissions with acute asthma and be affected by underdiagnosed or delayed diagnosis, the importance of culturally-sensitive healthcare provision in order to make a real difference to how chronic health conditions such as asthma are managed within the South Asian community becomes even more stark.”
“Just prescribing medication is not enough, we need to truly understand the complex link between culture and optimal asthma management. We need to understand the importance of family dynamics, including wider support networks such as grandparents and extended family and recognise the need to deliver more inclusive education programmes. We need to work with communities and families to address diverse cultural concerns such as fears of regular medication or steroids and also the stigma that still relates to a diagnosis of asthma. Asthma can be a silent killer but it does not need to be if we work in partnership with communities to raise awareness of the symptoms, diagnosis and the positive lives children can lead if treated properly,” she added.
‘Every day, millions of UK families, including mine’
Kashif Ahmed from Bradford said, “I've lived in Bradford all my life and have a deep fondness for the city. However, there's an invisible threat here that constantly worries my family. On bad days, it leaves us coughing, wheezing, and struggling to breathe. As someone with asthma, toxic air worsens my symptoms and can trigger attacks. It's not just me—my two young sons, brother, and niece also suffer. Every day, millions of UK families, including mine, are exposed to harmful air pollution without even realising it.
"The number of cars has surged since I was younger, and emissions from older diesel engines are a major cause of pollution. Children are especially vulnerable, with dirty air stunting lung growth and worsening asthma. South Asians with asthma in the UK face greater challenges, including later diagnoses, more hospital visits, and a higher risk of death. It’s frightening, and it shouldn’t be this way," he added.
Brent schools offered free asthma training
Brent schools can receive free training to achieve asthma-friendly status, helping staff recognise and manage asthma attacks and administer medication correctly. So far, 11 schools have been trained, with 25 more set to receive training next year. The one-hour sessions can be delivered in person or virtually, during or after school hours.
Cllr Neil Nerva, Cabinet Member for Community Health and Wellbeing, said, “Lots of children in the borough suffer from asthma and so it is a real comfort to parents to know that staff understand the condition and how to deal with issues should they arise.
“This scheme not only trains teachers and other school staff, but also provides free equipment available from local pharmacies to ensure they have everything they need to keep children safe. I would encourage all schools to apply for the training.”
