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National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month

We are celebrating 40 years of awareness! 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 mom and son are on the beach with the text Asthma and Allergy Awareness, Empower individuals, families, and the community to save and improve lives.

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 28 million people in the U.S. have asthma (nearly 23 million adults and 4.9 million children).1,2
  • About 20 million people in the U.S. have food allergies (16 million adults and 4 million children).3,4
  • About 81 million people in the U.S. have rhinitis due to nasal allergies, also called “hay fever” (67 million adults and 114 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 Empowered To Take Action

This year’s theme is empowering individuals, families, and the community to save and improve lives for people with asthma and allergies. Use our resources and tools to spread awareness during May and all year long!

Make your plan to raise awareness, education, and advocacy during National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month 2024!

Webinar: Understanding Mild to Moderate Asthma

Asthma symptoms and severity can vary from person to person, especially if you have mild to moderate asthma. Join John James, MD, board-certified allergist, and the Asthma and Allergy Foundation […]

If you have questions about an event, check our blog for details or contact us.

References
  1. National Center for Health Statistics. NHIS Adult Summary Health Statistics. Data accessed October 7, 2024. Available from https://data.cdc.gov/d/25m4-6qqq
  2. National Center for Health Statistics. NHIS Child Summary Health Statistics. Data accessed October 7, 2024. Available from https://data.cdc.gov/d/wxz7-ekz9
  3. 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. 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

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