Asthma

  • An elderly person holding an asthma inhaler in focus, with a blurred background. The person is wearing glasses and a black shirt, and is sitting indoors.

    Is Asthma a Disability Eligible for Social Security Benefits?

    If you’re unable to work due to severe asthma, here is what you need to know on filing a claim for Social Security disability…

  • A young child in a beige jacket is joyfully holding an open black umbrella. They are smiling widely, standing outdoors in front of a glass window.

    Thomas Silvera Discusses His Son Elijah’s Legacy After Tragic Food Allergy Death

    Elijah passed away after he had an anaphylactic reaction to a grilled cheese at his daycare. Elijah’s family now advocates for better training in…

  • A young girl in a star-patterned coat uses a breathalyzer device. She is surrounded by people, some of whom are holding papers. The setting appears to be indoors at an event or demonstration.

    Allergy & Asthma Network to Host COVID-19, Asthma and COPD Screenings at Atlanta Churches

    September 2020 – Allergy & Asthma Network Will Promote Health Equity by Hosting Free COVID-19, Asthma & COPD Screenings at Atlanta Churches.

  • Thick smoke billows into the sky from a wildfire burning in a grassy, wooded area. A fence runs through the foreground, and trees are visible under the smoke. The sky is overcast, adding to the somber atmosphere.

    How to Prepare for Major Storms or Natural Disasters If You Have Asthma or Allergies

    Learn how to take extra precautions in preparation for hurricanes, earthquakes and other natural disasters if you have asthma or allergies.

  • Close-up of a race car driver wearing a green helmet with a shamrock design. The driver is seated in a sleek, modern race car, with various sponsor logos visible. The background is blurred, emphasizing speed and focus.

    Living on the Fast Track with Asthma: Interview with Race Car Driver James Roe, Jr.

    Irish Race Car Driver James Roe, Jr. discusses living with asthma and his goal of winning the Indianapolis 500.

  • Two men are standing side by side, separated by a vertical white line. Both are smiling. The man on the left has a beard and wears a light blue shirt against a brown background. The man on the right is clean-shaven, wearing a similar shirt against a yellow background.

    A Tale of Two Asthma Patients: How Social and Economic Factors Impact Asthma

    Learn through the stories of two young men with asthma how social and economic factors influence health and access to medical care.

  • Logo for Allergy & Asthma Network with "Allergy & Asthma" in blue and "NETWORK" in gray. A stylized sun with orange rays is to the right. The design is set on a white background.

    Allergy & Asthma Network Secures PCORI Engagement Award, CDC Grant to Reduce COVID-19 and Asthma Disparities

    Allergy & Asthma Network is working to address COVID-19 and asthma health disparities through a PCORI Engagement Award and CDC Grant.

  • A man in a red sweater helps two young children use plastic devices, possibly breathalyzers, while a woman observes. A laptop is open nearby. The setting appears to be educational or demonstrative.

    ‘Not One More Life’ Makes an Impact on Asthma Disparities in Communities of Color

    Learn about Not One More Life, a program of the Allergy & Asthma Network that brings asthma screenings and education to vulnerable populations in…

  • A smiling elderly couple sits outside on a bench. The man, in a pink shirt, is holding hands with a young child in a red plaid shirt and denim shorts. The woman, in a white top, watches them warmly. The background is a blurred green park scene.

    Black Individuals at Higher Risk for Contracting COVID-19 – New Research

    Learn more about a new study showing that Black individuals were twice as likely as White individuals to test positive for COVID-19.

  • A man in a blue shirt is standing in a pharmacy aisle, holding a product and reading its label. Shelves stocked with various health products surround him. He is carrying a shopping basket.

    Need Help Paying for Allergy and Asthma Medications?

    Learn more about discounts, patient assistance programs, and other ideas for affording asthma, allergy and anaphylaxis medications.

  • The image shows the United States Capitol building in Washington, D.C. It features the iconic dome with its detailed architecture, accompanied by stairs and columns in the foreground under a clear sky.

    Allergy & Asthma Network Advocates for People Living with Health Disparities

    Learn about our efforts that bring an end to racial disparities affecting people with asthma, allergies and related conditions.

  • Two people are practicing alternate nostril breathing. The person in the foreground has braided hair and appears focused, while the person in the background has tattoos and is also engaged in the breathing exercise.

    Effective Breathing Techniques For People with Asthma, EIB and Respiratory Diseases

    July 14, 2020 – Watch or participate in a demonstration of effective breathing techniques for people with asthma, exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB).

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.