Each year, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) declares May to be "National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month." It's a peak season for asthma and allergy sufferers, and a perfect time to educate your patients, family, friends, co-workers and others about these diseases.
Asthma affects approximately 25.9 million Americans and more than 50 million Americans suffer from all types of allergies. Please join us in raising awareness for these common diseases.
Asthma and Allergies Strike 1 out of 5 Americans!
Asthma is a disease of the lungs in which the airways become blocked or narrowed, causing breathing difficulty. This chronic disease affects approximately 25 million Americans. Asthma is commonly divided into two types: allergic and non-allergic asthma. There is still much research that needs to be done to fully understand how to prevent, treat and cure asthma. But with proper management, people can live healthy and active lives.
The Facts:
- 44,000 people have an asthma attack.
- 1,200 people are admitted to the hospital due to asthma.
- 9 People die from asthma.
Allergies are diseases of the immune system that cause an overreaction to substances called "allergens"> Allergies are grouped by the kind of trigger, time of year or where symptoms appear on the body. Typical types of allergies include:
- indoor and outdoor allergies
- food allergies
- latex allergies
- insect allergies
- eye allergies
People who manage their allergies can live healthy and active lives.
The Facts:
- An estimated 50 million Americans suffer from all types of allergies.
- Allergy is the 5th leading chronic disease in the U.S. among all ages.
- Each year, allergies account for more than 17 million outpatient office visits, primarily in the spring and fall.
This month, educate your family and friends.
Learn more about allergies and asthma on aafa.org.
