Allergy & Asthma Network

Is your asthma increasingly hard to control? We feel your frustration. You may have moderate to severe asthma with Type 2 inflammation. This may put you at increased risk of an asthma attack and decreased lung function. Consider seeing an asthma specialist – an allergist or pulmonologist – for treatment options.

🫁 Quick Fact: 55-70% of severe asthma patients also have Type 2 inflammation.
Need support? We are here with an updated Type 2 Inflammation Patient Navigator!
https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/health-a-z/type-2-inflammation-resources/

Did you know that 'America's fastest man', Noah Lyles, lives with ? It's true. Lyles was diagnosed with as a child but that did not stop him from achieving his Olympic dreams. At just 27 years old, he has already won one Olympic Bronze Metal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and seven world championship medals.

Make sure you cheer Noah on in Paris as he goes for the Gold in the Men's 100m, 200m, and 4x100m Relay events.

More about Noah Lyles: https://time.com/6991825/noah-lyles-olympics-2024-interview/


Noah Lyles

🌟🏅 The Olympics inspire us all with incredible feats of strength, speed, and determination! But did you know that many elite athletes also manage asthma? 🌬️

Asthma doesn't have to hold anyone back from reaching their dreams. Did you know asthma is the most common chronic condition among Olympic athletes? In fact, a study of the five Summer and Winter Olympic Games between 2002 and 2010 found approximately 8% of Olympians had asthma. But these athletes have shown that with the right management and support, anything is possible. 💪

What can you learn from elite athletes in terms of managing your asthma?
🫁See a board-certified allergist or pulmonologist for a complete diagnosis and work together to develop an Asthma Action Plan.
🗓If you are diagnosed with asthma and exercise is a trigger, your allergist may prescribe an inhaled corticosteroid to take daily.
🏃‍♂️‍➡Use a prescribed quick-relief albuterol inhaler 15-30 minutes before exercise and if symptoms arise during or after exercise.
👟Warm up 15-20 minutes before competition or exercise. This can reduce the chances of airway constriction during exercise.
💧Stay hydrated and cool down after exercise by slowly walking and stretching for several minutes.
☀️If you exercise outdoors, check local air quality reports online. Air pollution may be an asthma trigger for runners, cyclists and other athletes.

As we cheer on our favorite athletes, let's also raise awareness about asthma and encourage those living with it to pursue their passions. With proper care, everyone can achieve their own personal gold. 🥇
https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/news/olympic-athletes-with-asthma/

🫁 Asthma requires great care and management.
📋 To ensure this, be sure to have an Asthma Action Plan on hand and review it with your doctor regularly.

Check out an example in this post and read more here: https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/what-is-asthma/asthma-action-plan/

🌟🏅 The Olympics inspire us all with incredible feats of strength, speed, and determination! But did you know that many elite athletes also manage asthma? 🌬️

Asthma doesn't have to hold anyone back from reaching their dreams. Did you know asthma is the most common chronic condition among Olympic athletes? In fact, a study of the five Summer and Winter Olympic Games between 2002 and 2010 found approximately 8% of Olympians had asthma. But these athletes have shown that with the right management and support, anything is possible. 💪

What can you learn from elite athletes in terms of managing your asthma?
🫁See a board-certified allergist or pulmonologist for a complete diagnosis and work together to develop an Asthma Action Plan.
🗓If you are diagnosed with asthma and exercise is a trigger, your allergist may prescribe an inhaled corticosteroid to take daily.
🏃‍♂️‍➡Use a prescribed quick-relief albuterol inhaler 15-30 minutes before exercise and if symptoms arise during or after exercise.
👟Warm up 15-20 minutes before competition or exercise. This can reduce the chances of airway constriction during exercise.
💧Stay hydrated and cool down after exercise by slowly walking and stretching for several minutes.
☀️If you exercise outdoors, check local air quality reports online. Air pollution may be an asthma trigger for runners, cyclists and other athletes.

As we cheer on our favorite athletes, let's also raise awareness about asthma and encourage those living with it to pursue their passions. With proper care, everyone can achieve their own personal gold. 🥇
https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/news/olympic-athletes-with-asthma/

We understand what it feels like to send your child to school. There will always be a part of you that worries, especially if you have a child who lives with a health condition such as food allergies. By planning ahead and making sure your child is ready to have a safe and healthy school year, that may alleviate some of that parental stress.

Are you aware about the 4 types of healthcare plans schools use to take care of students? They can help keep your child safe and protected at school.

Read about them here: https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/news/school-plans-students-food-allergies/

Speak with your child’s school administration, nurse, and teachers about the school’s food allergy practices and get those plans set! 👧🏾🥜

Hurricane season lasts into November, and it’s important to prepare early. Natural disasters such as hurricanes, flooding, tornadoes and even earthquakes can worsen chronic conditions like asthma and allergies. If you have asthma or severe allergies, make sure you have an emergency plan in place to ensure you're never without your medications and devices.

What should your asthma and allergy disaster preparedness kit include?
•📝Asthma Action Plan and/or Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan
•💊A supply of medications
•🩺Medical devices
•🏥Copies of medical records and refill information for prescriptions
•💧Bottled water, allergen-free food, and cash
•😷Face masks and goggles to cover up entry points for allergens and irritants such as smoke
•📄Contact Information Card

Want to learn more about how to prepare yourself in case of a weather emergency? 🌊🌪⛈
Check out this link: https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/news/whats-your-emergency-plan/

Education on asthma self-management is a part of EXHALE strategies, which are strategies designed to help people with asthma breathe better. Education on asthma self-management can be delivered in a variety of settings, including clinics, emergency departments, hospitals, pharmacies, schools and homes.

Are you a parent worried about your newborn developing food allergies? The SEAL (Stopping Eczema and Allergy) Study wants to hear from you!

The study is currently enrolling infants with dry skin for a trial researching the use of investigational lotions to reduce the potential risk of food allergies and the onset of eczema in children.

Participation is voluntary and compensation will be provided. If you’re interested in finding out more about this study, visit: https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/research-updates/study-for-food-allergy-prevention-in-babies/

Single Maintenance and Reliever Therapy (SMART) is for patients with moderate to severe asthma who need a combination treatment.

Under asthma guidelines, SMART therapy is recommended for people with moderate to severe asthma, including children ages 5 and older. It is considered an easier and patient friendly treatment plan to follow.

Join AAN and Dr. Angela Hogan in our upcoming webinar to learn about SMART therapy and other patient friendly asthma management strategies.

📅Thursday, July 25th
⏰4pm ET
Register ➡️https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/webinars-updates/smart-therapy-and-other-approaches/

This Advances webinar is in partnership with the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. ACAAI offers CMEs for physicians and attendance credits for all others.
If you are unable to attend, still register! We will send a link to you so you can view the on-demand recording.

🌬️ Did you know there’s a link between sinusitis and asthma? 🤔 Studies reveal that about half of people with moderate to severe asthma also suffer from chronic sinus infections. This connection can make managing asthma more challenging, as sinusitis can trigger airway inflammation and worsen asthma symptoms like coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.

Treating sinus problems with medication can sometimes help alleviate asthma symptoms. Remember to take your daily asthma controller medication and use a quick-relief inhaler at the first sign of symptoms.

Keeping your asthma under control can lower your risk of developing a severe sinus infection.

If you have allergic asthma, identifying and avoiding allergens like pollen, mold, pet dander, and dust mites is crucial. Stay proactive in managing both conditions for a healthier, happier you! 💪🌿

Read more on sinusitis: https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/health-a-z/sinusitis/

Do you or someone you care about have hives? Round and swollen welts on the skin? Do they show up when you least expect them and last for more than six weeks? It could be chronic hives, also known as chronic urticaria. If this may be you or someone you love, do not worry. Allergy & Asthma Network has compiled information that is easy to understand about chronic urticaria management, treatment, and more!

Visit ChronicHives.info for more

What’s the difference between Oral Corticosteroids (OCS) and Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICS)? Do you rely on frequent use of oral corticosteroids to control your asthma? OCS should be used to treat acute asthma flares on a short-term course. If you rely on OCS to treat your asthma – it could be a sign that your asthma is uncontrolled. Too frequent use of OCS can lead to serious short- and long-term side effects.

Find out more about the difference between OCS and ICS with this infographic and whether it’s time to talk with your asthma specialist about a new treatment plan.
https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/what-is-asthma/how-is-asthma-treated/oral-corticosteroids-for-asthma/

Oral Corticosteroids (OCS) for Asthma | Allergy & Asthma Network Learn about oral corticosteroids (OCS), how and they are used for asthma treatment, their side effects, and more.

Were you not able to attend the recent ‘Health Disparities in the Allergy, Asthma, and Immunologic Health Diseases’’ webinar with Nancy Joseph, DO? Don’t worry, we have 5 key takeaways for you!

🌟 Key Takeaways: 🌟

1️⃣ Health disparities are differences in health linked to social, economic, and environmental factors. These differences affect people's health outcomes.
2️⃣ Health equity means giving everyone what they need to be healthy. It is not about giving everyone the same exact thing, but giving each person what they need based on their situation.
3️⃣ African American children have higher rates of food allergies than other racial and ethnic groups. They also have higher rates of severe reactions and ER visits due to food allergies.
4️⃣ Eczema is more common and more severe in African American children. They have more doctor visits and missed school days due to eczema. It is important to recognize that eczema looks different on Black and Brown skin. This understanding can help prevent under-diagnosis or misdiagnosis.
5️⃣ Efforts to address health disparities include improving access to care, increasing awareness, and providing education tailored to the needs of different communities. This helps ensure everyone gets the care they need.

🎥 We have the full recording and transcript of the webinar available at our website for your viewing!
https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/webinars-updates/health-disparities-diseases/

We are hopeful that the US FDA approval of neffy, the first nasal epinephrine spray for allergic reactions will occur soon.

While we await news from the FDA, we are encouraged that in Europe, ARS pharma’s nasal epinephrine is also making progress. The Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines Agency recently recommended approval of EURneffy, Europe’s first nasal epinephrine spray for allergic reactions.

Pending final authorization from the European Commission, EURneffy is poised to become available by late 2024, marking a significant advancement in allergy treatment options for patients managing anaphylaxis across Europe.

Read more on this update from Allergic Living : https://www.allergicliving.com/2024/07/06/eu-poised-to-approve-neffy-epi-spray-will-u-s-soon-follow/

🧴The itch-scratch cycle associated with eczema can be tolling. If your infant or young child has it, it becomes even more difficult to correctly manage the symptoms.

❓How should I bathe my child? What can I do to make my child more comfortable? How can I help avoid triggering my child’s eczema? Are there any medications available?

🎦If you have any of these questions, be sure to check out this quick video where Dr Payel Gupta , allergist and immunologist, addresses all of these concerns at https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/what-is-eczema/

Is summer weather impacting your asthma symptoms? Find information about summer asthma and warm weather: https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/news/summer-asthma-and-warm-weather/

Don’t forget to check out the upcoming Allergy and Asthma Forecast in any zipcode up to months in advance so you can be prepared! https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/weather/
☀️☀🕶️🥵😎

During sleep, our body works as a mechanic to keep us healthy and get us ready for the next day. 😴🌄 If you have asthma and/or allergies, good sleep is vital in managing symptoms.

Getting enough sleep will help boost your immune system and reduce your risk of catching viruses or infections that can affect your lungs. Good sleep allows for better management of your asthma symptoms. Here are some tips on how to create a healthy sleeping environment:

💻 Avoid exposure to the blue light emitted by cellphones, laptops and tablets for 1-2 hours before going to bed. This light suppresses melatonin production, an important trigger to the brain that it’s time for rest.
☕️ Avoid alcohol or caffeine near bedtime. Both can disrupt sleep.
🛏Stick to a routine bedtime so your body gets used to a schedule. Try not to take naps during the day.

To find out more about why sleeping is important and other lifestyle changes to manage your asthma, visit us at: https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/what-is-asthma/lifestyle-changes-to-manage-asthma/

Are you feeling sick and unsure if your symptoms are from COVID, a cold, or allergies? Dr. Purvi Parikh, MD, board-certified allergist and immunologist and national spokesperson of Allergy & Asthma Network, shares key insights about symptoms and a COVID surge that is happening this summer in an interview with Good Day New York ( FOX 5 NY) . While symptoms can be confusingly similar, testing is essential to confirm COVID-19.

Protect yourself and others by staying updated on vaccines, masking, and washing hands frequently. If symptoms arise, don't hesitate to test, and retest! Stay safe and enjoy your summer! 🌞😷

Be sure to check out our newly updated page with up-to-date information about COVID and how it impacts those living with asthma: https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/news/asthma-and-covid/.

And stream Dr. Parikh’s full interview here: http://mms.tveyes.com/MediaView/?YXV0b3BsYXllbmFibGU9ZmFsc2UmY3VzdG9tZXJpZGVudGlmaWVyPTg0MzAmZGVmYXVsdG1vZHVsZT1Nb2RFZGl0b3ImRW5kRGF0ZVRpbWU9MDclMmYwNSUyZjIwMjQrMDglM2EzOSUzYTM1JiZtb2RlZGl0b3JhZGRpdGlvbmFsY2FsbGJhY2tkYXRhPTM5MGQ3N2UwNTFhYjBlMzZiZWI3OGYxYzVmNGI2NWY5ODUwZjBiZjgzY2ZjMDJlODNmOWFhOTBiNDZiMjFlOThjM2U2NTFlZWQ4NmU5MjNjODRhMDEzZTcxNmQ2MGI5N2ZhZmIyMTdiNWU0Yzc5Y2E4MmIyODE1OTc3ODlhZjY4Jm1vZGVkaXRvcmRlZmF1bHRkZXN0aW5hdGlvbj0xMCZtb2RlZGl0b3JkZXN0aW5hdGlvbnM9NCUyYzEwJm1vZGVkaXRvcmVuYWJsZT10cnVlJm1vZGVkaXRvcm9yZGVyY29tcGxldGVjYWxsYmFjaz1odHRwcyUzYSUyZiUyZmFwcDIuY2lzaW9uLmNvbSUyZmFwaSUyZnR2ZXllcyUyZm9yZGVyJTJmY29tcGxldGUmbW9kZWRpdG9yb3JkZXJwbGFjZWRjYWxsYmFjaz1odHRwcyUzYSUyZiUyZmFwcDIuY2lzaW9uLmNvbSUyZmFwaSUyZnR2ZXllcyUyZm9yZGVyJTJmcGxhY2VkJnBhcnRuZXJpZD04MzgzJiZwbGF5c3RvcD03JTJmNSUyZjIwMjQrMDglM2EzNyUzYTA1JlN0YXJ0RGF0ZVRpbWU9MDclMmYwNSUyZjIwMjQrMDglM2EzNCUzYTE3JnN0YXRpb249MTk1JnM9MTUwMDAxOTE1NTU3ODU2JiZleHBpcmF0aW9uPTA4JTJmMDQlMmYyMDI0KzA4JTNhMzQlM2ExNy4wMDAmaW5zdGFudFBsYXk9VHJ1ZSZzaWduYXR1cmU9ODIwODM5MzIxMDMzYzVmOTlhMTlmZjExYmYyYzZhY2Q=

mms.tveyes.com

The eyes are our mirror to the world – and they see so much every day! 👀👁️Unfortunately allergens and irritants such as pollen and dust can cause eye allergies, also known as allergic conjunctivitis.

Quick fact: Hot, dry weather can dry out the eyes and make eye allergy symptoms worse.
Want to learn more about eye allergies? Check out this link:
https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/allergies/eye-allergies-conjunctivitis/

We have all heard about before – but what exactly is RSV? Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that is highly contagious. Research has shown that RSV causes approximately 60,000-120,000 hospitalizations each year and causes 6,000-10,000 deaths each year in adults ages 65 and older.

The good news is that there are now three respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccines for older adults available to the public! The FDA has approved Abrysvo, Arexvy, and mRESVIA for adults 60+ years of age. Arexvy is now also approved for adults ages 50-59 years who are at high risk for complications from RSV.

RSV is also highly contagious and very common in children! And there is an RSV monoclonal antibody preventive therapy that is available for infants and young children ages 2 years and older. This therapy acts very similar to a vaccine.

All the vaccines are available at most major U.S. pharmacies! Talk to your healthcare provider about getting vaccinated today to protect you and your loved ones respiratory health!

Learn more: https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/news/rsv-vaccine-asthma/

Asthma and allergy treatment has seen remarkable innovation in the last 25 years, but this progress is still not reaching everyone. Did you know that over 25 million Americans have asthma and more than 50 million suffer from allergies? These conditions disproportionately impact Black, Hispanic/Latino, and Native American communities, with social, economic, and environmental factors often playing a key role in causing these disparities.

Join us and speaker, Nancy Joseph, DO, as we explore disparities in allergy, asthma, and immunologic diseases and discuss how to best support under-resourced communities.

📅 Tuesday, July 16th
⏰ 12pm ET
📍 https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/webinars-updates/health-disparities-diseases/

This Advances webinar is in partnership with the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI) offers CMEs for physicians and attendance credits for all others.
If you are unable to attend, still register! We will send a link to you so you can view the on-demand recording.

👉 Register today: https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/webinars-updates/health-disparities-diseases/

As part of our commitment to fostering healthier lives and improving health equity, Catherine Blackwell, our Chief Health Equity Officer, and Leandra Tonweber, our Lead Disease Management Coach, representing our Trusted Messengers Community Outreach Program will be in Cleveland, OH attending the Healthy Churches 2030 Roadmap Tour: Forwarding the Black Agenda happening this Saturday, July 13th!

If you live in the area, join us to grab free resources and learn about asthma, food allergies and eczema. There will also be the opportunity to complete an asthma assessment survey and have an asthma educator follow up with you! Stop by and pick up educational information as well. Learn more about this FREE event with lunch provided! https://www.balmingilead.org/roadmap-cleveland/

¿No pudo asistir a la última conferencia virtual de nuestra serie Unidos Hablemos con la Dra. Vivian Hernández-Trujillo? ¡No se preocupe, a continuación le presentamos un resumen con la información más importante!

1.) Aproximadamente 20 millones de personas en los Estados Unidos tienen alergia a los alimentos. Uno de cada trece niños en los Estados Unidos tiene una alergia alimentaria.

2.) Las 9 alergias alimentarias más comunes son: leche de vaca, huevos, maní, nueces, trigo, soja, pescado, mariscos y sésamo.

3.) Los síntomas de las alergias alimentarias pueden variar de persona a persona y de reacción a reacción. Las reacciones pueden ser diferentes en cada episodio, incluso en la misma persona; esta es una de las dificultades para controlar las alergias alimentarias. Los síntomas pueden variar de leves a graves.

4.) La epinefrina es la primera línea de tratamiento utilizada para tratar la anafilaxia. Ningún otro medicamento salvará vidas en una reacción grave y potencialmente mortal. No confíe en antihistamínicos ni esteroides.

5.) Lea siempre las etiquetas de los alimentos antes de comerlos.

Tenemos la grabación completa y la transcripción de la conferencia virtual disponibles en nuestro sitio web UnidosHablemos.com

¡Esté atento a más información sobre futuros eventos!

Agradecemos especialmente a Genentech por brindar apoyo financiero para hacer posible esta conferencia virtual.

Were you unable to attend the return of our Unidos Hablemos Virtual Conference Series last week with Dr. Vivian Hernandez-Trujillo? Don’t worry we have a recap for you with key takeaways!

Here are some key takeaways from the event:
1️.) Approximately 20 million persons in the United States have food allergy. 1 in every 13 children in the United States have a food allergy.

2.) The top 9 most common food allergies are: cow’s milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy, fish, shellfish, sesame.

3.) Symptoms of food allergies can vary from person to person and from reaction to reaction. Reactions can be different with each episode, even for the same person – that’s part of the difficulty of managing food allergies. Symptoms can range from mild to severe.

4.) Epinephrine is the first line of treatment used to treat anaphylaxis. No other medication will save lives in a potentially life-threatening and severe reaction. Do not rely on antihistamines or steroids.

5.) Always carefully read food labels before eating.

We have the full recording and transcript of the webinar available at our website for your viewing! UnidosHablemos.com

Stay tuned for upcoming information about more events happening soon!

Special thanks to Genentech who has provided funding support to make this webinar possible.

Do your asthma symptoms get worse in the summer? You are not alone! Some may experience an increase in asthma symptoms leading to full-blown summer asthma attacks. Hot and humid weather plus exposure to pollens, mold spores and air pollution could cause asthma symptoms to flare. There are many triggers for summer asthma flare-ups and we've compiled a list of helpful tips to help you manage them.

These strategies could help you avoid asthma attacks:

🏡Stay inside as much as you can on hot, humid days. Keep windows closed.

❄️Keep cool. Use a dehumidifier and air conditioning with clean filters. It’s best to use a High Efficiency Particulate Air filter, or HEPA filter.

⛅️Monitor your Asthma and Allergy Forecast daily. This predictive tool uses weather forecast info, seasonal plant growth, pollen levels and historical data to identify days when asthma and allergy triggers are likely to be present.

🌳Check your local air quality index and pollen count before going outside. EPA issues state and local air quality forecasts.

🚿Shower after outdoor activities to wash off any pollen collected on your skin or hair.

💧Stay hydrated. Water helps thin any mucus in your lungs and airways. It can also cool your body off.

🫁Keep taking your daily asthma medication to help keep your airways clear and symptoms under control.

🩺 Talk with your allergist or healthcare provider about adjusting your Asthma Action Plan or treatment plan during summer days.

For more tips on management and triggers visit: https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/news/summer-asthma-and-warm-weather/

Education on asthma self-management is a part of EXHALE strategies, which are strategies designed to help people with asthma breathe better. Education on asthma self-management can be delivered in a variety of settings, including clinics, emergency departments, hospitals, pharmacies, schools and homes.