The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and MedicAlert have teamed up to help you manage your asthma and allergies prevent life-threatening emergencies.
Make a pact to “ACT” to manage your asthma and allergies:
- “A” means have an action plan for asthma or anaphylaxis.
- “C” reminds you to carry emergency medicines and wear a medical ID to alert others of your condition.
- “T” calls for having a treatment plan that includes when to take your medicines and what to do in an emergency.
When you enroll in a new MedicAlert membership through this special link or via phone [1.800.432.5378], use the code AAFA and MedicAlert will donate 20% of your membership fees to support our mission to save lives and reduce the burden of disease for people with asthma and allergies through support, advocacy, education and research.
An Asthma or Allergy Emergency Can Happen at Any Time
When you have asthma or allergies that cause a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), it is critical to be prepared to treat symptoms promptly. Your doctor will prescribe important medicines you can use to treat your symptoms until you can get to the emergency room or contact your doctor.
If you have asthma, your doctor will prescribe a quick-relief inhaler (sometimes called a rescue inhaler). It usually contains albuterol. It is used to treat asthma symptoms right away.
If you have an allergy (such as to foods, insects, drugs and latex) that could cause anaphylaxis, your doctor will prescribe an epinephrine device you can carry with you. Epinephrine is the only medicine that will stop anaphylaxis.
Carry Your Quick-Relief Inhaler or Epinephrine Everywhere
Asthma and serious allergy symptoms can happen suddenly, within minutes. That's why you need to carry your emergency medicines everywhere you go. Don't leave them in your car, at home or in another building. You may not have time to get them when you need them.
Wear a medical ID to let other people know about your condition. This can be helpful if you having trouble speaking for yourself.
If your child has asthma or allergies, teach them the importance of carrying their medicines with them. Have them start carrying their medicine as soon as you feel they are ready. Talk to your child's teachers and school nurse about where your child's medicines will be during class times, lunches, recess and field trips. Make sure they understand why your child's medicine needs to be in reach all the time. Remember, your child has a right to carry their inhaler and epinephrine with them.
What Can I Do If I Can't Afford My Asthma or Allergy Medicines?
If you can't afford your asthma medicines, there are options to help with the cost. Discounts and programs are available to help you afford your medicines. You can also work with your doctor to find a lower-cost medicine.
If you carry epinephrine, there are many types of devices to choose from. Most epinephrine device makers have discount and copay programs to help you with the cost. We have a resource with a list of epinephrine devices available and links to their patient assistance programs
Prepare, Care and Share
Share this image and tweets to spread awareness:
In honor of Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, I'm making a pact to A.C.T. for Asthma and Allergy. By working together, we can reduce severe asthma attacks and allergic reactions: aafa.org/act #act4asthma #act4allergy via @AAFANational Tweet This
C is for Carry: Always carry important medications and wear a medical ID to alert others of your condition. aafa.org/act #act4asthma via @AAFANational Tweet This
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