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Symptom education crucial during National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month

While asthma and allergies continue to be common conditions in the United States, with over 60 million people experiencing symptoms, many people are unaware or do not follow suggestions on managing and preventing their symptoms.

For the last 30 years, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has dedicated the month of May as National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, and this year will commemorate prevention and treatment strategies for these conditions.

“People may not be seeking care for their conditions or may not be able to afford the cost of their medication and doctor visits,” Lynda Mitchell, chief operating officer of the AAFA, said in a press release. “Sadly, 10 people die each day from asthma, many of which could be avoided with proper care and treatment.”

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI), children are more likely to experience asthma exacerbations (57%) than adults (51%), with three out of five of these children having one or more attacks within a single year. Black children are the most likely demographic to exhibit symptoms, with a 50% increase in rates noted between 2001 and 2009.

The costs of allergy and asthma symptoms are also notable. Annually, these conditions had cost $3,300 per person between 2002 and 2007. Expenses were observed in medical needs, missed school and work days, as well as early deaths, according to the AAAAI.

In honor of the 30^th anniversary of National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, Infectious Diseases in Children has gathered several resources for allergists and pediatricians to help their patients understand and manage their symptoms in a more effective manner.

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Thumb-sucking, nail-biting linked to lower risk for atopic sensitization

Children who sucked their thumbs or bit their nails when they were aged 5 to 11 years were less likely to develop atopic sensitization at age 13, an effect that persisted into adulthood, according to study findings. Read More

Inner-city residence linked to pediatric asthma morbidity, not prevalence

Although asthma morbidity is associated with living in poor and urban areas, these risk factors are not connected to prevalence of the condition in the children from low-income families. Read More

Black schoolchildren at higher risk of ambulance-treated asthma attacks

Black schoolchildren were significantly more likely to require emergency medical crews to treat ‘uncontrolled’ asthma attacks at Houston public schools and at home, compared with white and Hispanic students, according to a recent study. Read More

Web-based education for asthma, anaphylaxis improved quality of care

ATLANTA — Both pediatricians and allergists demonstrated improved quality of care for patients with asthma and anaphylaxis following a web-based education program, according to research presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Read More

“Asthma and allergy control begins at home. It is important to use appropriate and effective cleaning methods to address common indoor allergy triggers like dust mites, pet dander and mold,” Melanie Carver, vice president of community services at the AAFA, said in the release. “Managing indoor air quality can [also] lessen allergy symptoms and prevent asthma episodes.” — by Katherine Bortz

References:

Asthma Statistics: AAAAI