Improving Your Asthma and Allergy Health

If you care for someone with asthma , have you noticed that their asthma always seem to get worse in September? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, researchers have studied this issue. Here is what they found. September Is a Difficult Time for People With Asthma There is a September asthma hospital stay “epidemic.” In fact, the third week of September is considered Asthma Peak Week. Many more people stay in the hospital for asthma shortly after school starts than at any other time of the year.

Update – Aug. 27, 2021 We updated this blog post to include updated face mask guidance from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Face masks are an essential tool in our fight against COVID-19 (the coronavirus) . But wearing a face mask raises many questions for people with asthma . Do We Still Need to Wear Face Masks to Prevent the Spread of the Coronavirus? In July 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention...

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.

Ah, fall! Time for cozy jackets, colorful leaves, pumpkin spice lattes, and … allergy medicine? If you’ve noticed the change in season also triggers allergy and asthma symptoms, you’re not alone. Just like spring, fall is a time when many people are seeking relief from their seasonal allergies . Common symptoms of seasonal allergies include: Itching in the nose and eyes Sneezing Stuffy nose (congestion) Runny nose Mucus (phlegm) in the throat (postnasal drip) Do You Live in an Allergy...

Updated 8/24: The coronavirus that causes COVID-19 is still highly active through the U.S. Read the current recommendations for people with asthma including symptoms, wearing masks, and new guidelines if you're fully vaccinated.

To bring the voice of patients and caregivers impacted by asthma in childhood to the forefront of drug development and research, the Allergy & Asthma Network, American Lung Association, American Partnership for Eosinophilic Disorders, and Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) are collaborating on a new program – Little Airways, Big Voices . You can get involved by sharing your experiences living with and managing asthma in childhood. Join us virtually on Sept. 20, 2021 , for...

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...

Animal dander , pollen , mold , dust mites , and fumes released by cooking, burning fuel, or cleaning products can all have an impact on your indoor air. The health risks from poor indoor air quality can often be much worse than outdoor air. It is important to understand the sources of indoor air pollution. Allergens are a major source of indoor air pollution in homes. Common indoor allergens include animal dander, pollen, mold, dust mites, cockroaches, and more. Dust mites and pet dander...

Nasal polyps are small, non-cancerous growths on the lining of the inside of your nose or sinus cavities. Some people who have asthma, allergic rhinitis , or chronic sinusitis may also have nasal polyps. Are you impacted by nasal polyps? If you or someone you care for has nasal polyps, you’ll want to know how to work with a doctor to find an effective treatment. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) is excited to partner with PlatformQ Health and MedLive for an educational...

Allergens, such as animal dander , dust mites , and pollen , can pile up on carpets and hard flooring. And then they can be kicked into the air when people walk on the floor or clean the floor. Some people with asthma may need to wear a mask while vacuuming or ask someone else to do the cleaning. A vacuum cleaner that is proven to remove allergens from flooring can be a useful tool to control allergy triggers in the indoor environment . But because vacuuming disturbs dust and other particles...

A parent’s to-do list for the beginning of a new school year is long. If your child has asthma or allergies, it may be even longer. But you can make school year planning easier by preparing in the summer. These school planning tips can help prevent asthma episodes and allergic reactions. And they can help the school know what to do if your child does have symptoms or an emergency. We recommend you follow all of these steps over the summer, well before the first day of school. Communicate...

As you get ready to send your child with asthma back to school, add one more item to the top of your list: Get the COVID-19, flu, and pneumococcal vaccines. If your child has asthma, they should get both the flu and pneumococcal vaccines. Having asthma puts your child in a high-risk category when it comes to flu and pneumococcal disease. These shots can go a long way toward keeping your child healthy this school year. They should get the flu shot every year as early as possible. But they...