Get Involved

/ Get Involved / Asthma & Allergy Awareness Month

National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month

Since 1984, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has declared May to be “National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month.” It is a peak season for people with asthma and allergies and a perfect time to educate patients, family, friends, co-workers, and other people about allergic diseases.

A photo of a woman and a boy with the text asthma and allergy awareness people need clean air, safe food, and healthy homes.

Quick Facts (Download Fact Sheet)

More than 100 million people in the United States have asthma and/or allergies. Some people may have more than one of these conditions.

  • Nearly 26 million people in the U.S. have asthma (20.7 million adults and 4.8 million children).1,2
  • About 20 million people in the U.S. have food allergies (16.0 million adults and 4.3 million children).3,4
  • About 80 million people in the U.S. have rhinitis due to nasal allergies, also called “hay fever” (66.4 million adults and 13.9 million children).3,4
  • There is no cure for asthma or allergies.

These numbers paint a picture of how many people in the U.S. are managing asthma and allergies. But they don’t paint a picture of the overall impact these diseases have on people, their caregivers, and communities.

Get Involved and Take Action

This year’s theme is debunking myths and misinformation about asthma and allergies, including what causes them and how to treat them. Use our resources and tools to spread awareness during May and all year long!

Join us for awareness, education, and advocacy during National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month 2024!

References

1. National Center for Health Statistics. (2022). 2021 NHIS Adult Summary Health Statistics. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://data.cdc.gov/d/25m4-6qqq.

2. National Center for Health Statistics. (2022). 2021 NHIS Child Summary Health Statistics. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://data.cdc.gov/d/wxz7-ekz9

3. Ng, A.E. & Boersma, P. (2023). NCHS Data Brief, no 460: Diagnosed allergic conditions in adults: United States, 2021. National Center for Health Statistics. https://dx.doi.org/10.15620/cdc:122809

4. Zablotsky, B., Black, L.I., & Akinbami, L.J.(2023). NCHS Data Brief, no 459: Diagnosed allergic conditions in children aged 0-17 years: United States, 2021. National Center for Health Statistics. https://dx.doi.org/10.15620/cdc:123250

Countdown to Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month

Day(s)

:

Hour(s)

:

Minute(s)

:

Second(s)

A blue and teal ribbon with the text Asthma and Allergy Awareness aafa.org