Asthma

  • A pregnant woman standing by a window, partially brushing her hair with an orange brush, wearing a black top and pink cardigan. The white curtains and bright natural light fill the room.

    The Asthma Gender Gap

    The female risk factor may sound surprising, as most people think of asthma as a childhood disease that affects boys more than girls.

  • six children walking up the stairs into their school

    ‘We Called Him Itty’ – But He Had Big Dreams

    Izaiah Fiedler tragically died from suicide whilte on montelukast for asthma. His family now advocates for improved asthma care and suicide prevention.

  • A person in a striped shirt holds a blue asthma inhaler in one hand while touching their chest with the other hand, indicating readiness to use the inhaler.

    Patient Testimonial: Stephanie and Nate Lowe

    Join Stephanie Lowe as she and her son Nate talk about their journey with asthma.

  • A shopping cart filled with various fruits and vegetables is in a grocery store. Overlaying the image is a graphic of a pair of lungs within an orange circle, symbolizing healthy food choices for lung health.

    Ask the Allergist: Can Food Cause An Asthma Flare?

    Neeta Ogden, MD answers the Ask the Allergist question: Do certain foods cause asthma attacks or symptoms to flare up? Are there any foods…

  • A doctor listens to a young girl's breathing with a stethoscope. The girl is sitting on an examination table, wearing a white tank top and jeans, and appears to be coughing. The room is bright and contains shelves and a desk.

    Patient Testimonial – Jeff and Cristin Buckley

    The Buckleys share their tragic journey and remind each of us about how serious asthma can be.

  • a concerned mother helping her child through an asthma attack by using an inhaler

    Pediatric Asthma Yardstick: Step-Up Care for Children

    Learn about the pediatric asthma yardstick to step-up care for children.

  • An illustration of human lungs with various medical syringes, inhalers, and biologics alongside labeled medication vials on the right. The background features a soothing gradient of blue and gray.

    Video: National Summit on Biologics and Biosimilars

    Learn about the power of medical innovation and scientific standards in healthcare, and why the patient voice is critical in asthma care.

  • In the airplane cabin, passengers are seated, and from the back, a man with gray hair stands out. Seatback screens display content, contributing to the calm and well-lit atmosphere.

    Going Places: Your Travel Prep Timetable

    Dreaming of your summer vacation – but also wondering how to keep asthma and allergies under control? Plan ahead with this resources.

  • Three children smiling, standing outside near a brick wall. A girl in a beige sweater is in the foreground, a boy wearing blue and a girl in red are behind her. An adult in a blue tracksuit stands in the background with another child.

    Native American Children Face Many Barriers to Asthma Care

    Only in recent years has the need for greater understanding about health disparities of Native American children with asthma become a priority.

  • Two Black women doing a video call. One is an asthma coach professional and she is showing the other woman how to manager her asthma.

    New Asthma Tool Determines Best Treatment Options

    The Shared Decision Making Tool encourages patients and clinicians to work together to improve self-management skills, choose the best treatment plan and increase adherence.

  • A woman smiling as a young girl hugs her from behind. Both are wearing denim and appear joyful, set against a light blue background.

    Patient Testimonial: Amanda Eisen

    Amanda Eisen talks about her journey and her daughter’s world living with asthma and food allergies.

  • A person in a striped shirt holds a blue asthma inhaler in one hand while touching their chest with the other hand, indicating readiness to use the inhaler.

    Leading Patient Advocacy Organizations Join Forces to Launch Program Aimed at Raising Awareness of Severe Asthma

    Allergy & Asthma Network (AAN) and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) today announced the launch of Be the Boss of Your Asthma,…

All About

Asthma

Asthma is a condition that affects about 25 million Americans, including 7.7% of adults and 8.5% of children. Asthma used to carry a stigma about how active someone with the condition could be, but people with asthma can live an active life as long as they are aware of their symptoms and environmental triggers, and know how to manage their medications. Pollen, mold, air pollution, pet dander and indoor pests such as dust mites are common symptom triggers for asthma. Severe weather emergencies impact people with asthma as they need to consider their medication in case of evacuation. Environmental disasters such as wildfires can wreak havoc on asthma since smoke particles cause air quality to worsen. People with asthma should monitor air quality and be sure to include stress management, healthy diet and exercise in their daily lives. People with asthma can control their symptoms and keep themselves safe by following their Asthma Action Plan created in partnership with their doctor. Quick-relief asthma inhalers can help relieve symptoms that occur at any time, while maintenance medications control symptoms daily. Biologic medications are increasingly used to address severe asthma. Getting the flu shot every year and practicing good hygiene, especially when around large groups during cold and flu season, is always a good idea. Eating healthy and getting moderate exercise, as well as practicing stress-relieving activities like yoga and meditation, can also help protect people with asthma. Keeping an emergency kit that includes extra asthma medication and devices, copies of medical records and prescription refill information, respirator masks, a list of contacts and a medication plan in preparation for speaking with doctors or other healthcare providers is also useful. Allergy & Asthma Network hosts the USAsthma Summit every year to raise understanding about the chronic condition among community health workers and representatives from asthma programs from all over the country. They discuss strategies, guidelines and programs for asthma management as well as the latest clinical lessons and practices.