After a natural disaster with flooding, people with asthma and allergies need to take extra precautions as they begin cleanup efforts. Long after waters have receded, flood waters can leave behind chemicals, bacteria, viruses and mold. These can create long-term health issues if you have asthma and allergies.

Mold is one of the biggest concerns after a flood. Mold, a fungus, can grow in any damp environment. It is different from plants or animals in how it reproduces and grows. The “seeds,” called spores, travel through the air. Mold spores get into your nose and cause allergy symptoms. They also can reach your lungs and trigger asthma.

If your home has been flooded or has water damage, mold may start growing in places you don’t expect. It does not go away as the water dries. Mold may grow inside furniture or under carpet that got wet, making it hard to find. If not replaced, it can make you and your family very sick. Items that have gotten wet from a flood have to be thoroughly cleaned and dried or discarded.

Use these tips to prevent long-term symptoms from mold:

• Wear an N95 mask to protect yourself when you return to your home.
• Consider hiring a professional to do the cleanup.
• Clean washable items in a washing machine with detergent and hot water.
• Clean hard surfaces with soap and water.
• Throw out furniture and other items that cannot be cleaned and disinfected immediately.
• Create ventilation in your home by opening windows and using a CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® air cleaner.
• Remove and replace drywall/plaster that got wet to at least 4 inches above the water line.
• If possible, find another place to stay until the mold has been cleaned up.

There are many health concerns to think about when cleaning up mold after a flood. Read the Homeowner’s and Renter’s Guide to Mold Cleanup After Disasters from the Environmental Protection Agency for more tips and precautions.

Many factors can affect your child’s health and how well they perform in school. Did you know indoor air quality is one of them?¹ But most public schools in the U.S. have polluted indoor air, exposing children and staff to asthma triggers.

This may result in asthma that is hard to control, poor school performance, and missed school and workdays.

Why is indoor air quality such an issue in schools? There are a few reasons.

Why Many Schools Have Poor Indoor Air Quality

Several factors can affect a school’s indoor air quality. Some may be obvious. Other factors may seem harmless or minor. But they can all add up as a student is exposed to them throughout their day.

Aging buildings

Around 53% of public school buildings need repairs and updates just to be in good condition.² Schools in low-income areas and schools with higher numbers of Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous children usually have fewer resources and are in poorer condition. This is due to discriminatory funding and districting policies.

Most schools don’t have enough money to update their buildings. Funding to keep up school buildings falls short by about $38 billion each year.³

Allergens, asthma triggers, and irritants

Dust mites, animal dander, pests, and mold are common allergy and asthma triggers found in schools. Add irritants to the list, such as harsh or heavily scented cleaning chemicals, personal care products, pesticides, and fumes from buses idling outside school doors. Respiratory infections, which can trigger asthma symptoms, tend to spread more during school months.

Tobacco use is also a concern in schools. Vaping has become very popular among students. In 2024, more than 1.63 million high school and middle school students claimed to use e-cigarettes.⁴

Poor ventilation

Proper ventilation in schools can help reduce air pollution and the spread of viruses that cause respiratory illnesses, such as the flu and COVID-19. Many schools need to upgrade their HVAC, ventilation, and filtering systems.⁵

Many schools keep windows and doors closed due to safety and security concerns. This reduces air circulation and prevents indoor air from swapping with fresh outdoor air.

Transportation pollution

Air pollution can make asthma symptoms worse. Emissions from cars, buses, and semi-trailers contain tiny particles and gases that pollute the air. When those particles and gases are in the air, they can get into your lungs.

School children can be exposed to pollution while riding the bus to and from school. Most afternoons, buses and cars in the pickup line idle just outside schools. The polluted air also makes its way into the school. If a child attends a school near a major roadway, they are also exposed to vehicle-related pollution throughout the day.

How to Tell If Your Child Is Affected by Indoor Air Quality at School

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), watch for these signs that polluted indoor air is affecting your child’s health:⁵

• Your child complains about asthma or allergy symptoms during certain times of the day or week
• Other students in your child’s classroom or groups have similar issues
• Your child feels better when they leave the school but has symptoms again when they return
• The school has recently been renovated or refurnished
• Your child recently started working with new or different materials or equipment at school
• The school started using new cleaning or pesticide products or practices
• Smoking is allowed in or around the school
• The classroom adopts a new warm-blooded animal (such as a hamster or guinea pig)
  
  

When mold grows in school buildings, it can impact the health of students and staff – especially those with asthma and allergies.  

Watch for these signs of mold exposure:

• Irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and lungs (in people with or without allergies)
• Allergic reactions (in people with allergies)
  • Sneezing, runny nose, skin rash, red/itchy eyes
• Asthma attacks
  
  

How We Can Improve Indoor Air Quality in Schools

Lack of funding may prevent schools from making major upgrades to their buildings. But there are some steps school staff can make to help improve indoor air quality, such as:

• Don’t allow buses to idle on campus.
• Use unscented and low-VOC cleaning products and methods.
• Don’t use scented candles, scent or essential oil diffusers, or scented personal hygiene products (soaps and lotions).
• Don’t allow warm-blooded pets in classrooms.
• Fix leaks immediately before they have the chance to grow mold.
• Do not use air cleaners with ionizing features or that release ozone.
• Keep humidity between 30 to 50% to reduce dust mites and help prevent mold.
• Use integrated pest management as a way of controlling pests such as cockroaches and mice.
• Do maintenance on central heating and air systems regularly according to manufacturer’s instructions.
• Add fans and vents in areas with poor ventilation.
• Use portable air cleaners with HEPA filters in classrooms if the central HVAC is not sufficient.
  
  

The EPA also offers several resources for school staff who want to learn more about creating healthy indoor school environments.

Without funding, many schools are limited on the steps they can take. On a greater scale, we can all advocate for policies and practices that make schools healthier. In The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America's (AAFA) 2024 Asthma Capitals™ report, we list steps that can help improve asthma outcomes in schools. Stakeholders, such as lawmakers, health care providers, health insurance and drug companies, and people managing asthma, can all work together to make these happen.

• Advocate for policies that support funding for school building improvements and electric school buses.
• Support programs that help prevent or stop teens and children from smoking and vaping.
• Ensure every school has a nurse.
• Encourage asthma management plans in schools.
• Continue efforts to stock quick-relief asthma medicine (such as albuterol) in schools.

References
1. Evidence from Scientific Literature About Improved Academic Performance. (2024, August 20). United States Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.epa.gov/iaq-school...academic-performance
2. K-12 Education: School Districts Frequently Identified Multiple Building Systems Needing Updates or Replacement Report to Congressional Addressees United States Government Accountability Office. (2020). United States Government Accountability Office. https://www.gao.gov/assets/gao-20-494.pdf
3. Schools. (2021). ASCE’s 2021 Infrastructure Report Card; American Society of Civil Engineers. https://infrastructurereportca...ools-infrastructure/
4. Results from the Annual National Youth Tobacco Survey. (2024, September 5). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/tobacco-pr...youth-tobacco-survey
5. Parents, Students, and Healthy Indoor School Environments. (2023, June 28). United States Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.epa.gov/iaq-school...-school-environments

Did you know people spend as much as 90% of their time inside their homes, offices, schools, and cars?¹ For people with allergies and asthma, air quality is important both indoors and out.

What Impacts Your Indoor Air Quality?

Air quality is a measure of gases and small particles in the air that can be harmful to your lungs. Air pollution is when particles or gases that are not normally part of the air affect the air quality. Air pollution can happen indoors when items in your home release gases and irritants into the air. Outdoor air pollution (traffic exhaust, wildfire smoke, smog, etc.) can make its way in and get trapped inside to worsen your indoor air quality.

Allergens (like dust mites and pet dander) also impact your air quality. Allergens are the most common asthma trigger. This is called allergic asthma.

Some sources of indoor allergens include:

• Dust mites
• Pets
• Cockroaches and mice
• Mold and damp areas
• Wall-to-wall carpet
• Soft furniture and stuffed toys
• Mattresses
• Pillows and bedding

Some sources of indoor air pollution include:

• Scented household cleaners and air-fresheners
• Fuel-burning heat sources (such as gas stoves, cooktops, and fireplaces)
• Smoke from cooking, candles, fireplaces or cigarettes, cigars, pipes, and e-cigarettes (vapes)
• Vehicles or lawnmowers stored inside garages
• Fumes from new furniture and carpet
• Building and paint products
• Pesticides
• Radon and ozone
• Cosmetics, perfumes, and hair sprays

What Can You Do to Improve Indoor Air Quality?

The best way to improve indoor air quality is to:

1. Remove sources of allergens and irritants.
2. Improve ventilation with outdoor air.
3. Filter your indoor air with good quality air filters on your central heating and air conditioning or portable air cleaners.
4. Control indoor humidity.
   
   

Use our interactive Healthier Home Checklist to help you improve air quality in different areas of your home.

Here are a few tips:

Establish regular cleaning routines using non-toxic and unscented cleaning products.  

RELATED: Spring Cleaning for an Asthma and Allergy Friendly Home

Remove fragranced products, candles, and air fresheners.

Keep the humidity (moisture levels) in your home between 30-50%.  Keeping humidity under 50% reduces growth of dust mites and mold. And keeping humidity above 30% prevents your skin, eyes, nose, and lips from drying out.

Replace carpets with solid surface flooring, if possible. Otherwise, vacuum carpets and rugs weekly.

Regularly clean and replace air filters according to instructions.

Quit smoking (including vaping) and don’t allow others to smoke in or around your home. If you live in a multi-family building like an apartment, close your windows if someone is smoking nearby. A portable air cleaner in your apartment may be helpful.

Many products promise to help control allergens but not all of them do. When you are shopping for products for your home, look for the CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® mark. It indicates the product has passed our testing standards to help reduce allergens and irritants in your home.

Visit aafa.org/certified to search for CERTIFIED products such as vacuums, air cleaners, cleaning products, flooring, bedding, appliances and more.

References
1. Indoor Air Quality. (2024, July 8). U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.epa.gov/report-env...t/indoor-air-quality

Many skin conditions can look similar, so it can be hard to tell the difference. And some conditions, such as eczema, can appear and behave differently for each person. Getting the right diagnosis is important so you can manage it and feel better in your skin.

What Is Eczema?

Eczema is a group of chronic skin conditions that cause your skin to become inflamed, dry, itchy, red, and irritated. There are several types of eczema and most of them are connected to allergies. Atopic dermatitis is the most common type.

There are other skin conditions that can seem similar to eczema. How can you tell the difference? We’ll talk about other skin conditions and how they are different from eczema.

What’s the Difference Between Psoriasis and Eczema?

Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes itchy, scaly rashes. They appear mostly on your knees, elbows, torso, and scalp.

Psoriasis and eczema can both cause itchy, scaly rashes. If you have plaque psoriasis, you may have red, purple, or discolored raised thick areas called “plaques.” Eczema tends to be brown or red and less defined than psoriasis.

What’s the Difference Between Scabies and Eczema?

Scabies is caused by mites that live in your skin. They burrow into your skin, creating small, red, itchy bumps. It spreads from person to person very easily through skin contact.

Eczema is not contagious and is not caused by mites infecting your skin. Eczema is a chronic immune condition caused by a defect in your skin barrier.

What’s the Difference Between Ringworm and Eczema?

Ringworm is a skin infection caused by a fungus. It causes round patches on your skin with red edges that look like a ring. Like scabies, it is contagious.

Ringworm can be confused with a type of eczema called nummular eczema. With nummular eczema, you can have spots with red edges, but the spots are usually not as well-defined as ringworm. It can be caused by a skin injury like a bug bite or scratch, a skin infection, stress, and heat.

What’s the Difference Between a Staph Infection and Eczema?

A staph infection is caused by a bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus. Staph is found on the skin and in the nose of most people. It usually doesn’t cause issues. But when staph infects the skin, it can cause boils, cellulitis, folliculitis, or impetigo. Infected spots may be red and have pus, like a pimple. The area can be warm and painful.

While a staph infection and eczema are different, they can go together. When you have eczema, you are more likely to get staph infections. Staph infections can become serious, so it’s important to take care of your skin and contact your doctor as soon as you think you have a staph infection.

What Can I Do If I Have a Skin Condition?

Eczema can be easily confused with other skin conditions. That’s why it’s important to get a proper diagnosis. The only real way to know if you have eczema or another skin condition is to see an allergist or dermatologist. They can tell you what’s going on with your skin and help you develop a treatment plan.

Medical review: September 2024 by Matthew Greenhawt, MD

Navigating the world of biologics can be complicated. But it doesn't have to be! If you’ve tried treatments for your asthma, food allergies, eczema, eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), or nasal polyps without success and wonder if biologics are right for you, watch our latest webinar on biologics.

Jessica Peck DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, CNE, CNL, FAANP, FAAN, and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) presented information on biologics for several allergic conditions.

Watch on YouTube

In the video, we talk about:

• What is a biologic?
• Navigating and coordinating biologics with your health care team
• Biologics for asthma, food allergies, and related conditions
• What to do once you are prescribed a biologic

We are currently in the peak of hurricane season, which goes from June 1 to Nov. 31. While preparing for a possible storm, people with asthma need to take extra precautions to reduce chances of an asthma episode or attack.

Be Ready to Evacuate or Be Without Power

Hurricanes, even tropical storms, could mean you have to evacuate depending on where you live. And if you shelter in place, there's a good chance you could be without power for days if the storm comes your way.

In the days following a hurricane, pharmacies may be low in supply or closed. Along with your hurricane supplies, make sure you have the following for every family member with asthma:

• Enough medicines to last several days
• Pharmacy and doctor contact information
• Copies of your Asthma Action Plans
• Portable, battery-powered nebulizer, if you use one
• Insurance cards
  
  

Keep these items handy so you can grab them quickly if you don't get much notice to evacuate. During the storm, consider keeping them in a cooler where they can be protected from heat and water.

Be Aware of Thunderstorm Asthma

Thunderstorm conditions can worsen asthma triggers for people with allergic asthma. During a storm, rain hits pollen grains, causing it to break up into smaller pieces. Then the wind picks them up and spreads them around. It can then be inhaled into the lungs.

The force of the wind, rain and lightning before and during a hurricane can have the same effect. Follow your Asthma Action Plan if you are feeling symptoms.

Protect Yourself From Asthma and Allergy Triggers During Storm Cleanup

Mold, pollen, dust and building materials can be a concern after the hurricane passes. Pack gloves and N95 rated masks with your medicines so you can clean up as soon as possible. This is especially important if your home has flooded or has water damage.

Better yet, let a professional do the cleanup, if you can. Look for a reputable professional restoration company. Or ask your homeowner's insurance company to give you the name of one they recommend.

Piles of debris and downed trees can harbor mold, pollen and toxic chemicals that can cause air pollution in your area. Debris pickup may take a while depending on access to your area and availability of resources. Wear a N95 mask and gloves if you clean up any of the debris, and change your clothes as soon as you go indoors.

Mold can cause serious health problems. The key to mold control is moisture control. After the flood, remove standing water and dry indoor areas. Remove and discard anything that has been wet for more than 24-48 hours. Learn more about mold cleanup from the EPA: epa.gov/mold

Don't burn the debris because the smoke and toxic materials can irritate your airways. If neighbors burn their debris, protect yourself from the smoke as much as possible. Be aware that cleaning agents like bleach may also irritate your airways.

Updated October 2024

Welcome to our September research update! Getting involved with research is an important way to impact asthma and allergy treatments, education, and awareness.

This month, we are highlighting clinical trials, surveys, and news on:

• Asthma
• Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU)
• Impacts of nasal allergies on work productivity
• Flu and COVID-19 vaccine rates among people with asthma
• Mental health impact of eczema in children and teens

Note: The links below will take you to external websites.

Surveys

Share Your Experiences Living with CSU (Chronic Hives)

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) is leading a study to learn more about the experiences of people living with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU), also known as chronic hives. If you have CSU, or are a caregiver to someone with CSU, we invite you to participate in this research survey.

Your insights will help us guide educational content and programmatic resources around CSU. The survey should take less than 15 minutes to complete.

TAKE THE SURVEY

Latest Asthma and Allergy News

Allergy

Impact of Allergies on Work Productivity and Costs
Worldwide, nasal allergies (called allergic rhinitis) affect between 10% to 30% of the population. Allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes can make it harder to focus or be productive at work. Long-term, these impacts can affect the economy. A recent study looked more into how allergic rhinitis affects work productivity and the cost impacts in 40 different countries.

To do this, researchers looked at data from the MASK-air® app, which collects information from people who have nasal allergies. Researchers asks questions to find out how much nasal allergies affected people's ability to work. They focused on both working while sick and missing work. The study found that when nasal allergies are poorly controlled, it can reduce work productivity by about 60.7%. This loss in productivity leads to increased costs worldwide.

People who have both nasal allergies and asthma have an even greater reduction in work productivity, especially when their nasal allergies are poorly controlled. The study showed that better control of nasal allergies could help improve work productivity and reduce the economic burden associated with the condition.

Asthma

Differences in Asthma Frequency and Costs for Children and Teens
Asthma is a common and costly condition among children and teens. A new study looked at differences in asthma frequency and medical costs among children and teens in the U.S. using data from 2016 to 2021. The study included 2,365 children and teens with treated asthma (those who needed medical care for their asthma) and compared them to 40,497 children and teens who were not getting treatment for their asthma.

The study found that children with treated asthma were more likely to be non-Hispanic Black or Hispanic, male, and have public insurance. Children and teens with treated asthma had an extra $3,362.56 in yearly medical costs compared to those with untreated asthma. This added cost included medicines, emergency room visits, and doctor visits. Non-Hispanic Black children with treated asthma had lower total and office-based medical costs than White children with asthma. The study highlights ongoing differences in asthma frequency and medical costs based on race, ethnicity, and other factors.

Flu and COVID-19 Vaccination Uptake Among People with Asthma
Managing asthma well, including getting vaccines, can help protect people with asthma from infections and severe symptoms during times when respiratory viruses are common. A recently published study looked at COVID-19 and flu vaccine rates and barriers among people with asthma.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) conducted an online survey of people with asthma from April to May in 2022. The survey asked whether or not people got vaccinated and what kept them from getting vaccinated.

Most survey respondents said they got an flu vaccine for the 2021–2022 flu season (77%) and at least 1 dose of a COVID-19 vaccine (87%). Age, gender, race, and income influenced who got the flu shot. Age and where people lived (city or rural) affected COVID-19 vaccination rates. Access issues were not commonly reported as something that kept people from getting vaccines. These results could help create better education and communication to increase vaccination rates and reduce severe outcomes of respiratory illnesses.

Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)

Mental Health Impact of Chronic Skin Conditions in Children
Chronic skin conditions like acne and eczema can lead to stigmatization (feeling “othered” or left out). This impact can be very hard for children and affect their mental health and quality of life.

A recent study looked at 1,671 children ages 8 to 17 across the U.S. and Canada to see how much stigma they faced based on how severe their skin conditions were and how easy they were to see. Children and their caregivers were asked about their condition severity, stigma, quality of life, mental health, and peer relationships.

The findings showed that about 44% of the kids had felt moderate to severe stigma. Stigma was closely linked to lower quality of life, higher levels of depression and anxiety, and poor peer relationships. Girls reported more stigma than boys, and children with conditions like excessive sweating were more likely to have depression and anxiety.

The study highlights the importance of not only treating eczema but also addressing mental health issues that come with having this skin condition. This should result in improved overall well-being.

Medical Review: September 2024 by Jerry Shier, MD

AAFA is pushing to lower the costs of asthma and allergy medicines, including inhalers. We know the high cost of medicine can be a barrier to treatment.

Some major asthma inhaler manufacturers have announced $35 a month caps on out-of-pocket costs. The price cap will apply to people with commercial/private insurance or no insurance. The inhalers that will be price capped include:

AstraZeneca (effective June 1, 2024):

• AIRSUPRA® (albuterol and budesonide) inhalation aerosol
• BEVESPI AEROSPHERE® (glycopyrrolate and formoterol fumarate) inhalation aerosol
• BREZTRI AEROSPHERE® (budesonide, glycopyrrolate, and formoterol fumarate) inhalation aerosol
• SYMBICORT® (budesonide and formoterol fumarate dihydrate) inhalation aerosol
  
  

How it works:

• Commercially insured and covered: You can pay as little as $0 for AIRSUPRA and BREZTRI and pay no more than $35 for SYMBICORT and BEVESPI using the savings cards provided on brand websites. 
  • Here are the website links to access the savings cards: AIRSUPRA, BEVESPI, BREZTRI, and SYMBICORT
• Commercially insured but AstraZeneca inhaler is not covered in your plan: You or your health care providers can request a prior authorization or ask your doctor about a therapeutic alternative. 
• Uninsured: if eligible, you can use the $35 uninsured savings card accessible on the US Patient Support site. 
• Government insured (Medicare/Medicaid):  Federal law prohibits people on government programs from using a savings card, which is why they may be directed to AZ&Me. Qualifications for AZ&Me are based on where you live, insurance status, and income.
• For additional questions or more information, visit AstraZeneca’s patient support site or call: 1-800-236-9933
  
  

Boehringer Ingelheim (effective June 1, 2024):

• Atrovent® HFA (ipratropium bromide HFA) inhalation aerosol
• Combivent® Respimat® (ipratropium bromide and albuterol) inhalation spray
• Spiriva® HandiHaler® (tiotropium bromide) inhalation powder
• Spiriva® Respimat® 1.25 mcg (tiotropium bromide) inhalation spray
• Spiriva® Respimat® 2.5 mcg (tiotropium bromide) inhalation spray
• Stiolto® Respimat® (tiotropium bromide and olodaterol) inhalation spray
• Striverdi® Respimat® (olodaterol) inhalation spray
  
  

How it works:

• If you have commercial insurance and are eligible, the reduced out-of-pocket cost will be automatically applied at participating retail pharmacies. More than 90% of pharmacies across the country are participating in the program, making the change seamless and automatic for most people. There are no forms to fill out or websites to go to – the discount happens electronically with no action required.
• All other eligible people, including those whose pharmacies do not participate and people without insurance, can visit www.InhalerOffer.com to enroll for a savings card to present at pharmacies to receive the same $35 cap of out-of-pocket costs.
• Federal law prevents people on government insurance programs (Medicare/Medicaid/TriCare) from being eligible for this price cap program.
  
  

GSK (with price change going into effect no later than Jan. 1, 2025):

• Advair Diskus (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol inhalation powder)
• Advair HFA (fluticasone propionate and salmeterol inhalation aerosol)
• Anoro Ellipta (umeclidinium and vilanterol inhalation powder)
• Arnuity Ellipta (fluticasone furoate inhalation powder)
• Breo Ellipta (fluticasone furoate and vilanterol inhalation powder)
• Incruse Ellipta (umeclidinium inhalation powder)
• Serevent Diskus (salmeterol xinafoate inhalation powder)
• Trelegy Ellipta (fluticasone furoate, umeclidinium, and vilanterol inhalation powder)
• Ventolin HFA (albuterol sulfate inhalation aerosol)

AAFA is leading the way to reduce health care costs for people with asthma

"On behalf of the 27 million people in the United States with asthma, we appreciate the leadership of President Biden and Senator Sanders to bring down costs for asthma treatments. Pricing announcements made in March by some manufacturers of inhalers will mean lower costs and improved access to asthma medicine for many people with asthma starting this June,” said AAFA President and CEO Kenneth Mendez. “As President Biden indicated, more can and should be done. It’s not just drug companies, others need to step forward. We welcome continued efforts to improve affordability and accessibility of these essential medicines so all patients can get the treatment they need.”

AAFA continues to raise the voice of the patient community and draw attention to the ways America’s complex drug pricing ecosystem makes asthma medications more expensive for people who need them most. Drug manufacturers, pharmacy benefit managers, insurers, employers, and the government must work together to improve affordability and access.

Access to affordable drugs is a critical component of reducing racial disparities in asthma. Black and Hispanic individuals not only experience higher rates of asthma but also are more likely to be uninsured or underinsured. Deaths due to asthma – although decreasing overall – occur at a much higher rate in the Black and Puerto Rican populations than in the White population. Black individuals are nearly three times as likely to die from asthma than White individuals.

Last fall, AAFA shared patient stories and its Asthma Disparities in America report with the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee which then launched an investigation into the high price of asthma inhalers early this year.

AAFA’s research indicates that when the cost of medicine becomes a barrier to treatment, people with asthma resort to rationing or simply discontinue use.

Access to asthma medications can save lives, reduce hospitalizations, and lower the more than $82 billion in annual costs to the U.S. economy from this chronic disease. But the U.S. health care system is complex, and often leaves patients with few affordable options.

Ragweed pollen allergy is a major cause of seasonal allergies, also known as “hay fever.” Its light pollen easily spreads far and wide, triggering nasal allergies and allergic asthma in its path.

If you have a ragweed pollen allergy, it helps to know what you are up against. If you live in the U.S., you probably feel the effects of ragweed pollen in the late summer and fall. Here are some things you may not know about ragweed.

Ragweed Season Peaks in Mid-September

Ragweed starts pollinating as early as July in some states, especially states in the South. But for most of the country, it appears in August and peaks in mid-September. Ragweed pollen can stick around as late as October, depending on where you live.

If you are allergic to ragweed, learn when ragweed pollen starts in your location. Talk with a board-certified allergist, if possible, about ways to prepare for the season before it begins to make it easier to manage your symptoms when the pollen peaks.

Ragweed Grows Throughout the United States

Ragweed is hard to escape. It grows throughout the United States. To help reduce your exposure to ragweed pollen, track ragweed season where you live. Check sites like AAAAI's National Allergy Bureau to follow pollen readings often.

Ragweed pollen peaks in the mornings. Plan your time outside for the afternoon and evenings when possible.

Your Immune System May Mistake Other Plants and Food for Ragweed

There are other plants that are related to ragweed. They may cause allergy symptoms as well. Avoid planting sunflowers, sage, burweed marsh elder, rabbit brush, mugwort, groundsel bush, and eupatorium near your home.

If you have a condition called pollen-food allergy syndrome (PFAS - also known as oral allergy syndrome (OAS), your mouth may itch or tingle when you eat certain foods. This is because the pollen is similar to the proteins in some foods, so your body can’t tell the difference. This is called cross-reactivity.

Food such as cantaloupes, bananas, watermelon, and sunflower seeds may cause symptoms in some people who have a ragweed allergy.

Rarely, PFAS can trigger anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction, so it is important to know if you have PFAS or a food allergy and how to treat it. Some of the symptoms of PFAS and anaphylaxis may be similar. If you have symptoms when eating foods, talk with an allergist.

Ragweed Pollen Can Travel Hundreds of Miles

Ragweed pollen is very light, making it easy for the wind to carry it for miles. Don’t let ragweed follow you around. Cover your hair, eyes, and face when you go outside. Shower at night to remove pollen. Also have everyone who enters your home leave their shoes at the door.

Immunotherapy May Provide Relief from Ragweed Pollen Allergy

If you are allergic to ragweed pollen, there are options for treatment. Many of them are available over the counter.

• Nasal corticosteroids – These nasal sprays treat nasal inflammation, reduce symptoms and congestion, and block allergic reactions. They are the most effective for nasal symptoms and have few side effects.
• Antihistamines – They work by reducing your runny nose, sneezing, and itching in your eyes and sinuses. Choose non-drowsy options.
• Decongestants – They shrink swollen nasal passages to help you feel less stuffy. Nose drops and sprays should be taken short term.
• Leukotriene inhibitors – This medicine blocks chemicals your body releases when you have an allergic reaction.
• Cromolyn sodium – This nasal spray blocks chemicals that cause allergy symptoms, like histamine and leukotrienes.
  
  

If over-the-counter allergy medicine doesn’t relieve your allergy symptoms, talk with your doctor about other treatment options. It is especially important for you to seek treatment if you have allergic asthma and ragweed pollen is a trigger for you.

Many people benefit from immunotherapy. This can come in the form of allergy shots or sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT).

With allergy shots, your doctor gives you injections of allergens in an increasing dose over time. You gradually become less sensitive to that allergen.

With SLIT, you take a small dose of an allergen under your tongue. You also gradually become less sensitive to that allergen. Currently, SLIT is available for ragweed and dust mite allergies.

The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology have tools to help you find a board-certified allergist in your area.

Wearing a Mask and Sunglasses During Ragweed Season May Reduce the Pollen’s Effects

Face masks can reduce your exposure to ragweed pollen. Wearing an N95 mask when outside can prevent pollen particles from entering your nose and lungs. This may lower your chance of having symptoms.

Sunglasses can protect your eyes from ragweed pollen too. Pollen can be irritating and may cause watery and itchy eyes. Also consider a hat to keep the pollen out of your hair.

Healthy Indoor Air Quality Can Help You Manage Your Asthma and Allergies Overall

If ragweed pollen season drives you to spend more time indoors, pay attention to your indoor air quality. Indoor air is often more polluted than outside air. Poor indoor air quality can make your asthma and allergies worse. Combine poor indoor air quality with ragweed pollen, and you may be downright miserable.

The following can affect your indoor air quality:

• Allergens, like dust mites, pet dander, cockroaches, and mold
• Scents, chemicals, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
• Outdoor air pollution
  
  

Use our interactive Healthier Home Checklist to find where allergens, triggers, and irritants can hide. Then follow the steps to improve your indoor air.

Some products can help you improve and maintain good indoor air. The asthma & allergy friendly® Certification Program helps you find products that have been scientifically tested in labs and meet strict standards. These products have proven that they effectively remove or reduce your exposure to asthma and allergy triggers. Through our program, you’ll find CERTIFIED vacuum cleaners, air filters, bedding, flooring, and more.

Medical Review Based off the webpage, “Ragweed Pollen Allergy,” reviewed August 2023 by Jill Poole, MD

AAFA’s 2024 Asthma Capitals™ Report Highlights the Most Challenging Places in the U.S. to Live with Asthma

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has released the 2024 Asthma Capitals report. This report shows how location may impact asthma in cities across the contiguous (“lower 48”) United States. It analyzes data from the 100 largest cities in the U.S. to identify the most challenging places to live with asthma.

Why is this report important? Where you live can impact your asthma. It can be affected by air pollution, your ability to get health care, income, and more. It is our goal that this report inspires action – action everyone can take – to reduce asthma rates and prevent asthma deaths. We can achieve this together.

Allentown, Pennsylvania, is #1 for 2024. Allentown was also #1 last year.

2024 Asthma Capitals Report Highlights

The 2024 Asthma Capitals report highlights where we can focus our efforts for healthier environments and communities. This year’s report includes:

• Sample resolutions for designating “Asthma Peak Week” and “Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month” in your state
• A toolkit to help advocates champion better policies for people living with asthma
• A spotlight on policies to support better access to asthma medicines and asthma care
• An update on the work AAFA is supporting to address asthma disparities in local communities – including in Allentown, the #1 Asthma Capital for the 2nd year in a row
  
  

“Nearly 28 million people in the United States have asthma,” said Kenneth Mendez, president and CEO of AAFA. “For people with asthma, this report makes clear that where they live plays a significant role in their quality of life. Federal, state, and local policymakers should use this report as a guide to address climate change, indoor air quality, and access to medical care. Addressing these issues can go a long way to help improve the lives of people with asthma.”

Read AAFA’s 2024 Asthma Capitals report to see how your city ranks on our list and what communities can do to improve asthma outcomes.

How Can I Learn More About Managing Asthma?

Managing asthma involves a multi-step approach. This involves taking asthma medicine and limiting exposure to your asthma triggers. Work with an asthma specialist to come up with the best plan for you. AAFA offers free resources to help:

• Online support community
• List of CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® products to help you make your indoor air healthier
• Opportunities to participate in research to improve future asthma treatment
  
  

The 2024 Asthma Capitals report is an independent research project of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and made possible by support from Amgen, Sanofi, and Regeneron.