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Dear Friends, One of the hardest things we do at the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America is have conversations with families who have lost loved ones to asthma. Our hearts break for them. We grieve along with them. After hearing these stories, we are determined to do even more for people with asthma and allergies. We understand that an asthma or allergy diagnosis can be a life-changing event. For those affected, we stand together, prepared not only to listen and to empathize, but also...

These are just a few things we were able to do this year for the asthma and allergy community because of you. But there is more for us to do to significantly reduce the burden of these diseases on people with asthma and allergies. And we can with your help.

On Dec. 16, 2019, Congress released a spending package to fund the government for 2020. This plan includes some big wins for the asthma and allergy community.

Novartis today announced topline results from its pivotal global Phase III LUSTER-11 and LUSTER-22 studies exploring the efficacy and safety of the investigational oral, once-daily, DP2 receptor antagonist fevipiprant (QAW039). The pooled analyses of the LUSTER trials did not meet3 the clinically relevant threshold for reduction in rate of moderate-to-severe exacerbation compared to placebo over a 52-week treatment period for either of the doses (150mg / 450 mg).

Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted the company’s supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for Xolair® (omalizumab) for the treatment of nasal polyps in adult patients 18 years of age and older with inadequate response to intranasal corticosteroids.

Before you start a home building or renovation project, consider how the products you use or install may impact the overall health of your home. During construction, a lot of dust is generated and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be released. It’s important to consider choosing materials that emit fewer gases or other asthma triggers.

Asthma can be scary and overwhelming. It is the leading chronic disease in children and the top reason for missed school days due to chronic illness. I’m sure if you’ve been touched by this disease, you might empathize with this experience from LaJoy and her daughter, Abria.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has released a new tool for the asthma community – an asthma health chatbot. The chatbot is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help people get answers to their questions about asthma or health insurance. This can be a valuable tool for people shopping for health insurance during the final 10 days left in the federal open enrollment period.

Welcome to your November advocacy update. I’m Jenna Riemenschneider, Director of Advocacy at the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).

Today, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation (AAFA) met with the Department of Transportation alongside several disability advocacy groups. We discussed service animal regulations and the impact of growing numbers of emotional support animals on airlines. We shared how difficult it is to travel when you have asthma and/or pet dander allergy. We’re working together to ensure people are treated fairly when it comes to disability accommodations—and not privileging one disability type over another.

Representatives Eliot L. Engel (D-NY-16), Fred Upton (R-MI-06), Pete King (R-NY-02) and TJ Cox (D-CA-21), all members of the House Asthma and Allergy Caucus, have introduced legislation to honor Elijah E. Cummings’ long-time advocacy for those living with asthma. The Elijah E. Cummings Family Asthma Act would expand federal, state, and local efforts to improve care for individuals with asthma.

As we gear up (and bundle up) for the holiday season, people with asthma who live in cold climates may notice they are having a tougher time breathing. That’s because when you breathe in dry, cold air, your airways start to narrow, making it hard to breathe. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to reduce asthma triggers and the chance of having asthma symptoms or an attack this winter season.