A Few Extra Pounds May Harm Lung Function in Black, Hispanic
Kids FRIDAY, Feb. 22 (HealthDay News) -- Even a small amount of
extra weight can have a negative effect on the lung function of
Hispanic and black children, according to a new study. However,
this is not the case for white children, the researchers noted.
As a result, they suggested that differences in the distribution
of body fat could help explain the greater prevalence of asthma
in these minority groups. The study authors said their findings
could help doctors identify and treat children with airway
obstruction. "While it has been well documented that Hispanics
and African-Americans -- particularly those who live in urban
settings -- have a higher prevalence of asthma and obesity,
there is less understanding of the lung function in overweight
asthmatic minority children," senior study author Dr. Deepa
Rastogi, an attending physician in the division of respiratory
and sleep medicine at the Children's Hospital at Montefiore in
New York City, explai