Asthma, obesity, and air pollution with Dr. Holguin

Today I am joined by Dr. Fernando Holguin, the Director of the Clinical and Research Asthma Program and the Executive Director of the Colorado School of Public Health’s Latino Research and Policy Center. We discuss the interaction of asthma, obesity and air pollution today, with a particular focus on how it impacts Latino communities in the United States. Patients with asthma who are obese often struggle to get a diagnosis since their trouble breathing is attributed to their weight. Once people are obese, asthma in some can be more challenging to control, and their body may also be more affected by air pollution. Obesity is extremely complex with many inputs, and there is much more we need to learn. Dr. Holguin is working hard on this research, and shares what he has learned with us today.

We also discuss what can be done at the individual and community level to improve our health, with a focus on taking manageable steps. 

To Do

1- Decrease processed foods in the diet, add more vegetables, fruit and whole grains to the diet. 

2- Work for clean air in your home and community.

3-  If you or someone in your family is coughing regularly or has shortness of breath, talk to your doctor about it. A diagnosis is very important!

4- Learn more about asthma risk factors and triggers- see the Twitchy Airways Club section of the website.

5- As always, stop smoking! Click here if you need help to quit.

6- Calculate your BMI here, if it is over 25, you may be overweight. If it is over 30, you may have obesity and be at risk for a more severe impact from air pollution. Talk to your doctor about what steps may be most important for your health.

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