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Every September, asthma hospitalizations rise. Doctors see more people with asthma episodes and attacks. The third week of the month is the worst. It is called the September Asthma Epidemic or Asthma Peak Week. Everyone with asthma needs to be prepared.

The MedicAlert Foundation and Kenneth Mendez, CEO and president of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), hosted a webinar on how parents and school staff can prepare for the new school year. They answered questions and shared resources on how to create a school that is food allergy and asthma friendly while preventing the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19 . Watch on YouTube Resources Asthma COVID-19 and Asthma Toolkit for Schools Helping Students Manage Asthma in School...

Novartis today announced that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) accepted the company's supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for a new self-administration option for Xolair® (omalizumab) across all approved US indications. If approved, Xolair prefilled syringe would become available for either self-administration by select patients or administration by their caregivers.

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.

Even though COVID-19 will change how schools operate for the 2020-2021 school year, children with asthma and allergies need to have a school health care plan in place if they are returning to in-person learning. Physical distancing, extra hand-washing , face masks and coverings , and other school policies may impact your child’s care plan. What Is a School Health Care Plan? A school health care plan is a document (or set of documents) that outlines your child’s medical condition and how it...

Each year, wildfires rage across the U.S. They have already begun in California this year. Smoke in the air contains tiny particles that affect air quality. These particles can irritate your eyes, nose, throat and lungs. Poor air quality can worsen asthma symptoms . Children and those with respiratory disease like asthma are at high risk for asthma episodes when the air quality is poor. Wildfires do not only affect those in the immediate fire area. Smoke can blow many miles away and impact...

School staff and parents are dealing with many challenges this school year because of COVID-19 . Policies and procedures may affect students and staff with asthma and allergies. Join the MedicAlert Foundation and Kenneth Mendez, CEO and president of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), for a webinar on how parents and school staff can prepare for the new school year. RSVP now to join us for the MedicAlert LIVE Healthy Hour on Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2020, at 3:30 p.m. ET.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) is excited to announce Melanie Carver has been named Chief Mission Officer of the organization. As Chief Mission Officer, Carver will continue to lead AAFA’s programmatic work as a community-focused organization. Included in that community focus, she will oversee AAFA’s community outreach, marketing and communications, education, and asthma & allergy friendly® Certification Program relations. She will also continue to help provide...

Great Strides in July 2020 for People With Asthma and Allergies AAFA has made great strides this month in advocating for policies that protect people with asthma and allergies. The House Energy and Commerce Committee passed the School-Based Allergies and Asthma Management Program Act (H.R. 2468) and the Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act (H.R. 2117) . These have been top priority issues for our organization and we're excited for this progress! UPDATE...

Keeping your hands clean is one of the easiest ways to reduce the spread of the new coronavirus that causes COVID-19 . It can also help help protect you from flu, colds and other respiratory infections . It also helps prevent foodborne illnesses (such as salmonella) while cooking. One study shows people touch their faces on an average of 23 times an hour. 1 Your hands come in contact with many germs, and when you touch your face, you increase your chances of getting sick. Keeping them clean...

Teva Respiratory, LLC., a U.S. affiliate of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. today announced the launch of ProAir® Digihaler® (albuterol sulfate 117 mcg) Inhalation Powder, the first and only digital rescue inhaler indicated in patients four years or older for the treatment or prevention of bronchospasm who have reversible obstructive airway disease, and for prevention of exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB).

Information from AAFA’s Ask the Allergist is not a substitute for a consultation with a health care professional. Always talk with your own doctor before making changes to your asthma or allergy management plan. This question appeared in our spring/summer 2020 issue of freshAAIR Magazine, our FREE digital magazine featuring news and resources on asthma and allergies. Read the most recent issue. Question: When using oral steroids daily for the treatment of asthma, what is considered a “high...