Health and Wellness
theGrio asks: Seasonal allergies – TheGrio
Seasonal allergies can affect people of all races and ethnicities, but there could also be some special considerations and differences within the Black community. Dr. Lorraine Anderson, a specialist in clinical immunology and allergy on the University of California, Los Angeles, meets with Grio to debate the very best ways to beat seasonal allergies. Anderson shares how access to health care services, including allergists and specialists, could be a barrier for some Black people – as a result of aspects corresponding to socioeconomic status, insurance coverage and site – which can lead to misdiagnosis and treatment of allergies . The doctor emphasizes that health care providers must also be mindful of potential biases and cultural differences in how allergies are perceived and managed within the Black community.