An asthma coach is a healthcare professional who helps asthma patients manage their disease more effectively.
Asthma
What is SMART Therapy for Asthma?
SMART therapy stands for Single Maintenance and Reliever Therapy. It is primarily for patients...
Navigating the Holidays with COVID-19, Asthma and Allergies
What you need to know about COVID-19 risk, asthma and allergies if you host or visit relatives during the holidays.
New Severe Asthma Research: Join the PrecISE Study
We invite you to take part in the NHLBI-sponsored PrecISE study to examine ways to treat people with severe asthma.
Study Finds Drug Combination Can Reduce Risk of Asthma Attacks
The MANDALA study could lead to the development of a new asthma medication combining albuterol and budesonide.
How Social Determinants of Health Impact Asthma and Eczema Care
A recent study found that health literacy is often a barrier to asthma and eczema care in Black and Hispanic/Latino communities.
Moving Asthma & Allergy Science Forward (Recording)
June 9, 2022
Free Webinar on Thursday, June 9, 2022 at 3:00 PM We discuss how we need patient partners to participate in studies to move asthma and allergy science forward.
Access & Equity in Asthma Care (Recording)
May 26, 2022
Webinar recorded on May 26, 2022 Quality care is vital for those with asthma and people who are a part of underserved communities live with distinct barriers to care.
Asthma & COPD: Two Diseases or a Spectrum of One? (Recording)
May 31, 2022
Webinar recorded on Tuesday, May 31, 2022. There are similarities and differences between asthma and COPD. What are the connections?
Adult-Onset Asthma
Asthma affects 25 million people in the United States. Approximately 20 million of those affected...
Bill Introduced in House to Expand Asthma Care Nationwide
The Family Asthma Act, named after the late Congressman from Baltimore, would strength the nation’s public health response to asthma.
New Spirometry and Interpretation Practices (Recording)
April 7, 2022
Watch our Free Webinar recorded on Thursday, April 7, 2022. We addresses important changes to the technical standards for spirometry practice.
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.
