Dr. Michael Bowman discusses the racial, ethnic and social disparities and how to reach all patients with asthma.
Asthma
Building Your Mastery and Confidence in Caring for Asthma
Dr. Michael Bowman provides a comprehensive review of asthma for clinicians and educators. This can be useful if you’re studying to be an Asthma Educator.
Breathe Easier: Smoking Facts and Cessation Tips (Recording)
Join us on March 25 as Dr. Todd Mahr provides us with facts about smoking and guidance on how to quit. This webinar will be valuable for patients and providers.
Why Face Masks Are Critical for People with Asthma and Allergies During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Learn the latest guidance for the use of asthma masks during the COVID-19 pandemic. This post was updated on March 2, 2021.
COVID-19 Vaccine and Asthma: What You Need to Know
Should people with asthma get the COVID-19 vaccine? When will it be available for people with asthma? Updated March 2, 2021.
Asthma, Covid-19, Questions We Need Answered: Black People Like Me Virtual Conference Series
Join us on March 11 at 5:00 p.m. ET for a free virtual event to better understand and address the impact of asthma and COVID-19 in the Black community.
Public Health Groups Urge Congress to Support Electric Vehicles
Allergy & Asthma Network joins national health organizations in urging Congress to support a transition to zero-emission vehicles.
Cold Air and Asthma = Winter Asthma
Cold weather is a common asthma trigger and it can lead to an asthma attack. Learn how to manage your asthma in cold conditions.
COVID-19 vs. Asthma: How to Tell the Difference
Symptoms of COVID-19 and asthma do overlap somewhat. Learn how how the symptoms differ to find out whether you may have COVID-19 vs asthma.
Asthma, Allergies & Patient Partnerships (Recording)
We reviewed the current state of COVID-19 as of March 2021, looked at current topics in care and explored the resources that the Network has to help.
Sleep Issues: The Effect of Allergies, Asthma & Related Conditions (Recording)
Dr. Brian Robertson discussed the importance of sleep for those with allergies and asthma and important things to consider in getting a restful night’s sleep.
Ask the Allergist: What Asthma Inhaler Technique Is Best for Children?
Learn the difference between the open-mouth vs. closed-mouth inhaler technique and why valved holding chambers or spacers are recommended for children.
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.