Did you know that coughing is one of the most common reasons people visit a doctor’s office? Coughing is normally a reflex the body uses to protect the airways when they are irritated. In some people, that reflex may become disordered. This can lead to a long-lasting cough that may impact their health-related quality of life. In adults, a cough that lasts longer than eight weeks is defined as chronic cough.

In the United States, it is estimated that 5% of adults live with chronic cough. Both adult women and men can have the condition, but it affects women in their 50s the most. Chronic cough may have a physical, social, and emotional impact on people. They may feel embarrassed or frustrated about their cough in social settings.

For some people, it may be hard to explain to a health care provider how often they cough and how it is affecting their life. A free app called CoughTracker may be able to help. The app is easy to use and allows users to track and record how often they cough. By tracking their cough, they may be able to find triggers they haven’t noticed before.

For example, a user can choose when CoughTracker listens for their cough. The app detects cough-like sounds and sends half-second snippets of possible cough sounds to a cloud server. This server helps the app tell if the sound is a cough. When used every day, the app can provide the user with details about potential patterns, sound characteristics, and possible triggers of their cough. CoughTracker shows these patterns within a set of graphs in the app called the Cough Report. The user can even set a reminder to turn the app on at certain times of the day, such as before bedtime if they find their cough disrupts their sleep.

US-OGM-00853 11/22

One of the hardest things we do at the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) is to talk with families who have lost loved ones to asthma, like Keisha. Our hearts break for them. We grieve along with them.

Asthma is one of the most common diseases in the United States, yet many people don’t know how serious it is. On average, 11 people die each day from asthma. Most deaths from asthma can be prevented if people have access to quality care and effective treatments.

Keisha’s story reminds us of why the work AAFA does is so important.

Tragically, Keisha’s life was suddenly cut short when she was only 34 years old due to a severe asthma attack. Black women are more likely to die of asthma than any other group. AAFA is committed to providing asthma management education and advocating for treatments, programs, and policies that can reduce asthma deaths and hospital stays for everyone, especially high-risk groups.

Keisha is remembered for her shining spirit and heart for service. She actively volunteered in her community and church and excelled in her work at the Federal Aviation Administration. Keisha’s mother, Carla, is honoring Keisha’s commitment to serving others by working with us to raise awareness about asthma and the health disparities faced by Black and Hispanic communities so another person doesn’t lose a life to asthma.

We all know someone with asthma – a family member, a friend, a coworker, or a neighbor. Will you join in our work to save lives and reduce the burden of asthma and allergies?

SUPPORT AAFA'S MISSION NOW

Your generous support makes it possible for us to provide life-saving and life-changing programs for the more than 60 million people living with asthma and allergies in the United States. We work tirelessly to provide community support, advocate for policies that protect people with asthma and allergies, and advance patient-centered research. We also run programs aimed at improving health outcomes and reducing health disparities, such as our Health Equity Advancement and Leadership (HEAL) and Community Health Interventions to Advance Self-Management of Asthma (CHI-ASMA) programs.

Thank you for your support.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) is turning 70 years young in 2023! To celebrate, we’re making changes to better serve our community and promote health equity.

We’ve updated our brand to more fully embody our mission and values and represent the people living with asthma and allergies.

We asked for feedback from our patient community, health care providers, and other AAFA stakeholders. Based on that feedback, we redesigned the AAFA website to improve accessibility and support for people with asthma and allergies.

Here are some of the changes you may notice:

• An updated design
• Easier-to-read text
• Streamlined menu navigation
• Improved search function
  
  

Members of our online community will also notice a new look. On the community you will find:

• Streamlined menu navigation – all content including forum topics, blogs, and surveys will be under one menu item titled “Posts”
• New subgroups will be easier to find and join
• A weekly “What’s New” digest email with a personalized summary of trending posts, upcoming events, and content by people you follow (watch for more information soon on how you can change your notifications)
  
  

Our goal is that the new aafa.org will be a unifying and inclusive hub for expanding the awareness and understanding of asthma and allergies. Our website offers:

• Evidence-based information to help people manage asthma and allergies
• A free, online support community to connect with other people who live with asthma and allergies
• Updates about AAFA’s projects, research, and advocacy efforts
• Resources for stakeholders, such as health care providers, community health organizations, and advocates, seeking to improve health outcomes
  
  

Our dedication to saving lives and reducing the burden of disease for people with asthma and allergies through support, advocacy, education, and research remains the same. AAFA’s new brand is another step in our efforts to achieve our mission as well as our vision to be recognized as the most trusted ally serving the asthma and allergy community.

The American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) held their Annual Science Meeting Nov. 10-14, in Louisville, Kentucky. During the meeting, ACAAI shared the latest news on topics important to people with asthma and allergies.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) is sharing the press releases from the meeting to bring you the latest research news.

Lowest Pollen Counts Occur Between 4 A.M. and Noon

Reducing your exposure to pollen is an important part of managing a pollen allergy. A recent study showed that pollen counts are lowest in the morning. Read the press release. (en español)

Only 52% of Adults with Severe Food Allergy Have Been Prescribed an Epinephrine Auto-Injector

One study found that many adults who need epinephrine auto-injectors for food allergy reactions don’t have immediate access to epinephrine. Many adults believe epinephrine can be harmful even though it’s safe and important for stopping a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. Read the press release. (en español)

Even in States with Strong Stock Albuterol Laws, School Administrators Fear Liability

One in 12 children have asthma. This means most classrooms in the United States could have at least one student with asthma. These children need quick-relief asthma medicine, such as albuterol, to treat an asthma attack. Many states have laws that allow schools to keep stock albuterol on hand for children who don’t have their inhalers with them. Even though they are protected by Good Samaritan laws, many school staff and prescribing health care providers are afraid to stock inhalers in schools due to liability concerns. Read the press release. (en español)

Smartphones Are Reservoirs of Allergens According to New Research

Smartphones can carry more than just germs. They can also have higher levels of certain allergens, according to a new study. The study also looked at the best cleaners to use to remove the allergens. Read the press release. (en español)

New Study Identifies Sexual Activity as Asthma Trigger

Many types of physical activity can trigger asthma symptoms for many people. This study shows that sex can cause asthma symptoms much like exercise can. Read the press release. (en español)

CRISPR Treatment Slows Swelling in Hereditary Angioedema Patients

CRISPR genome editing showed improvement of hereditary angioedema in a recent study. All patients in the study had fewer attacks after treatment. Read the press release. (en español)

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) wants to learn more about the products you buy for your family and how they impact your home's health.

We want to hear your thoughts about product claims and your experience with CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® products and services. Take our quick survey. For 10 to 15 minutes of your time, you'll be entered for a chance to win one of 10 $50 gift cards!

TAKE THE SURVEY NOW

Who: We are looking for people or caregivers managing asthma, eczema, and/or environmental allergies. You must be 18 or older and live in the United States to take the survey.

What: The survey will ask about product claims and how you shop for products to improve your home’s health. Your responses will help us learn more about your experiences with the asthma & allergy friendly® Certification Program. Your participation is voluntary, and you can choose to end the survey at any time. We will not share your answers or personal information.

When: Please complete the survey by Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, at 11:59 p.m. ET to be entered for a chance to win one of 10 $50 gift cards.

How: Take our online survey. (Internet access is required.)