Abstract

Inequalities in asthma outcomes and care quality between socioeconomic, ethnic/racial and sex/gender groups are widely documented worldwide. Social stratification is the main source of these inequalities, which have been observed in the diagnosis of asthma, symptoms, disease control, healthcare utilisation, asthma exacerbation and death. As one of the most common chronic illnesses, asthma inequalities involve avoidable and significant human and economic cost. To reduce asthma inequalities, targeted health and social policies are needed to ensure that the most disadvantaged groups receive adequate care. These include urgent action to reduce exposure to asthma triggers, such as air pollution, poor housing and smoking, and to promote health education among disadvantaged populations.

Cite as: Alsallakh M, Holden KA, Davies G. Inequalities in asthma. In: Sinha IP, Lee A, Katikireddi SV, et al., eds. Inequalities in Respiratory Health (ERS Monograph). Sheffield, European Respiratory Society, 2023; pp. 141–152 [https://doi.org/10.1183/2312508X.10022522].