The effect of low-cost modification of the home environment on the development of respiratory symptoms in the first year of life.

Background: Previous studies have suggested that environmental exposures may be related to the development of respiratory symptoms in early life. Intervention studies, however, have not produced consistent findings.

Objective: The Peer Education in Pregnancy Study examined the effect of home environment intervention with pregnant women at risk for having children with asthma on the development of respiratory symptoms in their infants.

Targeting improvements in asthma morbidity in Chicago: a 10-year retrospective of community action.

Chicago has been described as "asthma ground zero" due to its disproportionately high rates of asthma-related hospitalization and mortality. Asthma prevalence rates in Chicago are higher for whites and African Americans than the national average. In an effort to address the asthma burden and disparities in Chicago, multiple initiatives throughout the city have been launched and continue due largely to the support of the Otho S.

Inner-city asthma: the role of the community.

Asthma morbidity and mortality are disproportionately high in low-income minority populations. Variations in environmental exposures, stress, and access to appropriate health care all contribute to these disparities. The complex nature of asthma with strong contributions from environmental, psychosocial, and biological factors suggest that community-based approaches focused on the unique needs of high-risk populations may be effective.

Environmental allergens and asthma morbidity in low-income children.

Asthma morbidity is high in inner-city children in the United States, which may be related in part to increased allergens in poorly maintained housing. This study examined asthma morbidity in relation to mold, cockroach, dust mite, and cat allergens in the homes of 61 low-income Chicago children with asthma. Children exposed to higher levels of Penicillium in the bedroom had more frequent asthma symptoms, whereas those exposed to higher levels of cockroach allergen in the bedroom had a higher number of asthma symptoms.