(BlackDoctor.org) -- Every year thousands of parents must face the challenging task of caring for a child with asthma. A reversible lung disease caused by the narrowing or blocking of the lung's airways, often as a response to various triggers, asthma affects nearly 3 million African Americans.

Though asthma is a manageable condition, it can be life-threatening. In addition, there are disparities in the burden of asthma. Although asthma affects Americans of all ages, races, and ethnic groups, low-income and minority populations experience substantially higher rates of fatalities, hospital admissions and emergency room visits due to asthma. African American children ages 4 and younger are six times as likely as Whites to die of the disease. And those who don't die are hospitalized more often than their White counterparts.

Some studies indicate that the difference in risk exists simply because African Americans and other minority groups are more likely to live in urban areas. Poverty and lack of access to health care may also play a role. However, White children who live in cities also face a high risk for asthma, and interestingly, rural African American children do not.

The statistics support these impressions. Since 1980, the number of Americans with asthma has more than doubled to almost fifteen million, with children under five years old experiencing the highest rate of increase. Reasons for these increasing rates are unclear. Not only does asthma keep children in fear and pain – it keeps them out of school. In a classroom with 30 children, there are likely to be at least two with asthma. This contributes to over 10 million school days lost to asthma each year.

And the problem is not limited to children. Asthma is the leading work-related lung disease. Moreover, the disease kills approximately 5,000 Americans and results in three quarters of a million hospitalizations every year.

The burden of this chronic disease is felt everyday at the individual level, whether it's a frightening asthma attack or the constant vigilance and adherence to treatment plans required to keep it under control. Asthma triggers vary from person to person, but may include cigarette and other smoke, mold, pollens, dust, animal dander, exercise, cold air, household and industrial products, air pollutants and infections. These and other kinds of triggers can lead to spasms in the lungs, causing asthma attacks. Asthma symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and can be life-threatening if not properly managed.

Asthma is the most common chronic illness and the number one cause for hospitalization and prescribed therapy among children. Among the many reasons we are seeing this epidemic is the lack of education by both parents and their children about asthma, and the poor record for the medical management of the disease. This is most evident among inner-city populations. The prevalence of low education level, non-compliance and disparities in access to treatment continue to make this problem worse.

In order to address these growing disparities, we, as a society, must begin to look at and embrace innovative ways to make an impact. Asthma need not continue to hold our children hostage as it has in the past. Modern medicine, diet, lifestyle modifications and other factors can make a difference. We have to try new approaches. There are too many resources available; too much health information and education around; and most importantly, too many children not living fully productive lives. One source for parents and their asthmatic children to become better informed and educated about asthma, is the Internet. There are many credible sources of information available.

One such resource is BlackDoctor.org, the leading online health site for African Americans that provides free information on a variety of diseases and conditions including asthma. Visitors can learn about effective strategies to help better manage their asthma, ask questions of experts, and participate in discussions with other readers.

Also online is Everydaykidz.com, a free program from drug maker AstraZeneca, producers of Pulmicort, one of the world’s leading asthma medicines. This site provides families living with asthma the support and facts they need in a fun and innovative way. Created with children 1 to 8 years old in mind, the Everydaykidz.com web site educates parents and kids about asthma in an interactive, entertaining way, through videos, crafts, games, stories and activities – all specifically designed to help asthma treatment become a non-frightening part of a child's daily routine. The program is a helpful resource for parents who want to learn how to help manage their child’s asthma effectively.

These are only two examples of helpful ways to challenge the asthma epidemic. It is now time for this type of thinking to be embraced by communities, corporations, and health entities across the nation.

Parents take heed and do your best to help your child have a healthy, productive, and physically active school year. Remember, I’m not a doctor. I just sound like one. Take good care of yourself and live the best life possible!

By Glen Ellis, BlackDoctor.org Executive Editor