The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has set up May as National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month as it is peak season for asthma and allergies.
Approximately 25.9 million Americans have asthma or allergies in the U.S. according to the AAFA. That is about one in 14 Americans costing $56 billion annually. Asthma and allergies affect the lungs, cause wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness especially in the early morning or evening hours. Asthma is also the most common long-term disease for children.
In 1999, the National Asthma Control Program was created to reduce the number of deaths, hospitalizations, emergency room visits and activity limitations. Asthma treatment, management and control have increased through data collected through the program.
As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) points out, asthma has no cure but it can be controlled. People affected must take their prescribed medication and avoid settings that trigger attacks. Medication prescribed varies with each case, some are inhaled and others come in form of pills. Quick relief medications control attacks while long term ones help reduce the strength and frequency of them.
For awareness month, the CDC has set up resources for healthcare and public workers, schools and childcare providers.
People interested in raising awareness and funds may do so at FirstGiving or contact Sanaz at sanaz@aafa.org to request a free fundraising kit.
