The studies uncover that one's neighborhood and surrounding area may also play a significant role, even after taking into account personal economic well-being.
While study findings showed worsened health and poorer quality of life among people living in lower-income areas, they also showed worsened lung function among those living in suburbs, where people tended to own newer homes in less densely populated neighborhoods.
Most researchers believe water-damaged housing stock, proximity to high traffic flow, industrial pollution, and social environmental stress are key contributors to health problems in poorer neighborhoods.
The study raises the possibility that more frequent household pet ownership may be one factor in lower lung function in suburban-related health exposures, although larger backyards with more allergenic plants may be a serious contender for the reason for the disease.
Lead researcher Paul Blanc, MD says, "Even if individual risk factors such as poor access to medical care can be overcome, different communities have different asthma patterns, and strategies for prevention and treatment must take this into account."
Blanc feels there is a need for studies to nail down the community-wide physical and social environmental factors that contribute to asthma and poorer respiratory health.
