There are many types of health disparities – the differences in overall health and access to health care experienced among various population groups. These disparities may be affected by racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, geographic or other factors, which often overlap. This Resource Center focuses on health disparities specific to allergy/immunology based on racial factors and inequities. It presents relevant information, data, education and other resources to help health care providers close gaps and reduce disparities in the quality of care for allergy/immunology patients.
Originally posted Dec. 9, 2020; most recently updated September 22, 2022.
Sponsors
This resource is supported by Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Statement on race disparities in asthma
The American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology decries racial injustice wherever it is found. As physicians and healers, we know that racial disparities affect many aspects of life – often in the healthcare arena. We recognize that racism is a destructive force in our country, and we condemn it wherever it exists.
Increasing the diversity of the allergy community remains a priority
A word from ACAAI president Mark Corbett:
One of my priorities as College president is to address health equity, including reducing racial and other disparities and increasing the future diversity of the allergy community.
From Annals
Explore research and perspectives from the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology about racial disparities in asthma and allergic diseases.
- Race and ethnicity define disparate clinical outcomes in chronic rhinosinusitis (May 2022)
- Food Allergies in Inner-City Schools: Addressing Disparities and Improving Management (May 2022)
- Health Disparities in Pediatric Food Allergy (April 2022)
- Vitamin D, skin filaggrin, allergic sensitization, and race: a complex interplay (Jan. 2022)
- Race-specific characteristics in pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis in an urban inner-city clinic (May 2021)
- Food allergy-related bullying and associated peer dynamics among Black and White children in the FORWARD study (Nov. 2020)
- Race/Ethnicity and Socioeconomic Status Effect On Food Allergy-Related Quality of Life in Children and Caregivers (Nov. 2020)
- The relationship of race and aeroallergen sensitization in a pediatric urban allergy clinic – Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (annallergy.org) (Oct. 2020)
- Racial disparities in allergic outcomes persist to age 10 years in black and white children (Apr. 2020)
- Asthma: An illustration of health care disparities (Feb. 2020)
- Exploring latent classes to identify prenatal and early-life sources of racial disparities in allergic disease (Jun. 2019)
- Racial differences in atopic dermatitis (May 2019)
- Racial/ethnic and socioeconomic differences in self-reported food allergy among food-sensitized children in National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III (Nov. 2016)
Disparities in Atopic Dermatitis Podcast Miniseries
This three-part miniseries for the AllergyTalk podcasts covers racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic disparities related to atopic dermatitis; the influence of skin color in diagnosing and managing patients with atopic dermatitis; and best practices for addressing disparities in care for patients with atopic dermatitis.
Addressing diversity and reducing A/I heath care disparities
A word from ACAAI past president Luz Fonacier:
Addressing diversity and reducing health care disparities in allergy/immunology is one of my priority issues, and I hope that the work the College accomplishes during this year will carry on far into the future.
PIDD Podcast Miniseries
Webinar: Moving Towards Equity: Disparities in Food Allergy
In this webinar, our experts address moving the needle towards equitable allergy and asthma care for all patients and practitioners, in all communities – particularly communities of color.
Disparities in Food Allergy – Racial, Ethnic and Socioeconomic Considerations
New Website Spotlights Unique Differences of Eczema in People of Color
In a mutual commitment to address disparities in treating eczema in skin of color, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) and the Allergy and Asthma Network have partnered to create EczemaInSkinofColor.org, a campaign to aid physicians and patients in recognizing eczema in people with all skin types.
Addressing Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities in A/I Populations
The Allergists’ Foundation Community Grant Program
The Allergists’ Foundation has reimagined its programming to empower community practicing allergists on the front lines of patient care.
AllergyTalk Episode 9: Asthma Epidemiology, Diet, and More on MART Therapy
In this episode, our hosts review three articles about asthma from the Nov-Dec 2019 issue of AllergyWatch, including a study on racial disparities in asthma-related health care.
Asthma Disparities and Differential Responses to Therapy
More Resources
October 23, 2020
CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)
September 2020
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
February 2020
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology
July 2013
Clinical Pulmonary Medicine
February 2021
Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE)
February 4, 2021
Race and Genetic Ancestry in Medicine – A Time for Reckoning witih Racism
New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM)
