Allergy & Asthma Network

What is severe asthma? 🫁 It is a life-threatening condition that is often uncontrolled despite therapy. Severe asthma may be treated with…

• high-dose inhaled corticosteroids plus long-acting beta2-agonists and/or additional controller medication;
or
• oral corticosteroids to prevent asthma from becoming uncontrolled.

People with severe asthma often experience high rates of emergency department visits, hospitalizations and school or work absenteeism. They often find themselves unable to perform simple activities of daily living.

It’s estimated that 5-10 percent of people with asthma have severe asthma. However, the percentage may be higher. It is important to learn how severe asthma is diagnosed, treated, and what can happen if asthma is uncontrolled for a prolonged period of time.

We are here to help, visit: https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/what-is-asthma/what-is-severe-asthma/

Join this public meeting on Patient-Focused Drug Development (PFDD) hosted by the FDA on Tuesday, April 25th starting at 10am ET. This will allow the FDA to have the opportunity to obtain input from patients and their representatives on the aspects of Long COVID that matter most to them.

The PFDD meeting will be available in both English and Spanish.

Find more information: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/news-events-human-drugs/public-meeting-patient-focused-drug-development-long-covid-04252023

On April 25, 2023, from 10am to 4pm ET, FDA will host a Patient-Focused Drug Development (PFDD) for Long COVID. This meeting will be held virtually and will be webcast in both English and Spanish. This meeting will allow FDA the opportunity to obtain input from patients and their representatives on the aspects of Long COVID that matter most to them.

FDA is specifically interested in patients’ and their representatives’ perspectives on:

(1) The health effects and daily impacts of Long COVID that matter most to patients
(2) Patients’ perspectives on current approaches to treatment
(3) Patients’ perspectives on clinical trial participation

Please help FDA make this meeting a success by encouraging individuals with Long COVID to participate as panelists or by calling in during the live webcast.

Learn more: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/news-events-human-drugs/public-meeting-patient-focused-drug-development-long-covid-04252023

🍀💚Happy St. Patrick’s Day! We’re thinking green on this Irish holiday.

It has never been more important to ensure the air we breathe is clean and clear. Learn what you can do to help slow the impact of climate change. Let's breathe better together: https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/news/climate-change-what-you-can/

.Patrick’sDay

Action Needed 🔔

Connect with your member of Congress about the Protecting Children with Food Allergies Act. With the prevalence of food allergies growing, many children and their parents live in constant fear of accidental exposure. We need action now!

This bill requires school food personnel to complete food allergy training, so that they are better equipped to prevent and respond to emergency situations involving food-allergic reactions.

Your voice is important; join us and let it be heard!

Take action now: https://advocacy.allergyasthmanetwork.org/action/protecting-children-with-food-allergies-act/

🫁 It’s estimated that 24 million Americans have Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), according to the COPD Foundation. Millions more may be undiagnosed or misdiagnosed with asthma, and not getting proper treatment. Ongoing cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness are all symptoms of COPD. Symptoms can start slowly, so pay attention to what your body is telling you.

Visit our COPD Learning Pathway Videos for information about COPD management, medication, and basics. In just a few short minutes you will have the information you need to start breathing better.

Don’t delay, learn today!
https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/learning-pathways/copd-video-series/

You can also find more information about from Learn More Breathe Better at: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/BreatheBetter

Do you know the difference between Oral Corticosteroids (OCS) and Inhaled Corticosteroids (ICS)? Do you rely on frequent use of oral corticosteroids to control your asthma? OCS treats acute asthma flares on a short-term course.

If you rely on OCS to treat your asthma, it could be a sign that you have uncontrolled asthma. Too frequent use of OCS can lead to serious short- and long-term side effects. In fact, just four bursts of OCS in your lifetime can lead to an increase risk of:
• cataracts
• diabetes
• osteoarthritis

If you often use OCS, it is time to talk with your asthma specialist about a new asthma treatment plan.

Click here to learn more and talk to your healthcare team today: https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/what-is-asthma/how-is-asthma-treated/oral-corticosteroids-for-asthma/

You wake up with itchiness in your eye and maybe some redness, so you start to wonder if it is pink eye or allergies? One helpful hint to help decipher is that pink eye is a bacterial infection that can cause a yellow or greenish discharge while allergies might cause clear secretions. You can try to apply a warm compress to see if that helps the symptoms but remember if only one is affected then it is important to not touch the unaffected eye.

Since it is difficult to tell the difference between the two, never put corticosteroid drops into your eyes before seeing a doctor to receive an eye exam. If you think you may have eye allergies, visit a healthcare professional. 👁

Want to learn more about eye allergies? Visit our webpost to read about symptoms, medications, relief tips and more! https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/allergies/eye-allergies-conjunctivitis/

Join our colleagues NeedyMeds and in just 25 minutes learn how to use their Drug Discount Card to save on prescriptions, over-the-counter meds, healthcare supplies and medical equipment. You'll want to attend even if you have insurance.

➡️ March 16th at 12pm ET
Register here: https://register.gotowebinar.com/rt/4710573221954344975

Celebrating a birthday? We invite you to create a Facebook fundraiser for the Allergy & Asthma Network. By creating a Facebook fundraiser then YOU can make a difference by supporting our work to educate, advocate and empower people living with allergies, asthma and related diseases.

Oral allergy syndrome (OAS) occurs when people with pollen allergies to trees, grasses or weeds develop allergy symptoms, usually around the mouth, after eating raw fruits and vegetables. This happens because some fruits and vegetables are botanically related to these pollinating trees, grasses and weeds.

This time of year, for example, grass will begin pollinating. If you have a grass allergy, you may develop oral symptoms to botanically-related foods like kiwi, melon, peach or tomato.
Learn more about oral allergy syndrome: https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/health-a-z/oral-allergy-syndrome/

If you have but find it difficult to afford your medications - we are here to help. Visit our patient assistance page for advice: https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/what-is-asthma/what-if-i-cant-afford-my-asthma-medication/

Allergy & Asthma Network

A major U.S. manufacturer of liquid albuterol recently closed three of its plants and is ending U.S. operations. This is resulting in a shortage of albuterol medication for nebulizers. It is impacting both people with asthma and many hospitals.

Liquid albuterol is used in nebulizers to treat asthma. Hospitals and many people with asthma rely on the medication for quick breathing treatments.

The shortage does not seem to be impacting bronchodilator inhalers. Health officials do warn of that possibility if people start hoarding albuterol inhalers or more hospitals start using inhalers instead of nebulizers.

What can you do if you’re unable to get your albuterol inhaler? We have some tips:
• Contact your primary care doctor or asthma specialist.
· • Visit online pharmacies for availability of albuterol medications as well as potential discounts.
• Check your inhaler to see if it still contains medicine in it, as it probably is still at least partially effective.
• If necessary, you can use a recently expired albuterol inhaler.
• Follow your Asthma Action Plan and avoid your asthma triggers to prevent flare-ups.
• Do not overuse your albuterol inhaler.

For more information, visit our new webpost on this ongoing situation: https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/news/albuterol-in-short-supply-heres-what-to-do/

Allergy & Asthma Network will continue to monitor this news.

Allergy & Asthma Network Our mission is to end needless death and suffering due to asthma, allergies and related conditions via outreach, education, advocacy and research.

Allergy & Asthma Network would not exist without the dedication and support of women in the allergy and asthma community! A special thank you to amazing women at Allergy & Asthma Network who help us all Breathe Better together -

• Lynda Mitchell, MA, CAE - Interim Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operations Officer
• Charmayne Anserson, MPA - Director of Advocacy
• Kris Brown - Volunteer Coordinator
• De De Gardner, DrPH, RRT, RRT-NPS, FAARC, FCCP - Director of Research and Evaluation
• Marcela Gieminiani - Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
• Tori Martel, MPH - Digital Projects and Social Media Community Manager
• Kolleen Shallcross - SEO Specialist and WordPress Developer
• Leandra Tonweber, PA-C, AE-C - Asthma Coach

Is there a woman in your life that inspires you? Let us know in the comments below! 🌟🫁❤️

How does pollen cause allergies? Tiny pollen particles released by trees, grasses and weeds float through the air to fertilize plants and flowers. When inhaled, the pollen particles can get stuck in your nose and mouth - causing allergy symptoms. Find out all there is to know about pollen allergies: https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/allergies/pollen-allergy

Allergy & Asthma Network is searching for someone who is experiencing albuterol shortage and is willing to work on a media opportunity with us.

If you are interested, please reach out via email at [email protected].

Thank you!

Have you been diagnosed with asthma? Did you and your doctor develop an Asthma Action Plan? If the answer is no, it is time to meet with your doctor.

An Asthma Action Plan should spell out:
•how to treat your asthma daily
•what to do when symptoms get worse
•how to handle situations such as exercise or when you have a cold or virus.

Review the plan with your doctor at every appointment, including follow-up visits when your asthma is under control because your Asthma Action Plan will change as your asthma improves or worsens.

Learn more about Asthma Action Plans and you can even download a printable version of the Asthma Action Plan for Home and School: https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/what-is-asthma/asthma-action-plan/

Have you tested positive for COVID-19 since the pandemic started almost three years ago? Do you also live with asthma? Find out how Long COVID may impact your asthma and asthma control during our new free virtual webinar with Dr. Purvi Parikh.

📆Thursday, March 9th
⏰4pm ET
📍https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/webinars-updates/long-covid-impact-asthma/

Today is officially the 2 month countdown until Allergy & Asthma Day on Capitol Hill! 📣🌟

Join us to connect with members of Congress and their staff in person while advocating on behalf of the millions of people living with asthma, allergies and related conditions in the United States.

Our theme this year: Moving Toward Patient-Centered Healthcare.

• Lend your voice on critical legislative and regulatory issues – and ensure that patients’ needs are given priority.
• Urge your Congress members to support key legislation involving asthma, allergy and COVID-19 care.
• Share your personal story as a patient or caregiver.
• Discuss the latest research on asthma and allergy care and how it can impact public health policy.

AADCH is a free event for attendees. Registration is required: https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/news/allergy-asthma-advocacy-aadch-2023/

Today is ! Allergy & Asthma Network would not be the successful organization it is without our employees that work everyday to help others in the allergy and asthma community.

What is the 80/20 rule? We break it everyday. The 80/20 rule is: In any organization or business, 80% of the people do 20% of the work, and 20% of the people do 80% of the work. But all members of Allergy & Asthma Network team break this every single day.

Thank you for all you do for the Network. Show your appreciation to our employees by liking, commenting, and sharing this post! ✨

Research suggests that food insecurity is common in people with food allergies – one study reports that 21% of children with food allergy experienced food insecurity. Finding and affording special allergen-safe foods can sometimes be difficult. If you have food allergies and need assistance, nationwide and local resources are available. These include school lunch programs, food pantries, the Food Equality Initiative (FEI) Nutrition Assistance Program, food banks, and other programs.

We compiled a list of tips and strategies to help you if you’re having trouble finding and affording allergen-safe foods. Visit our webpage for helpful tips and to learn more about what programs are available https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/allergies/food-allergies/cant-afford-allergen-free-foods/

🚫 MYTH: I only need to take my allergy medication when I’m feeling really bad.
✅ TRUTH: Most allergy medications work best if taken daily, beginning a week or so before allergy season.

Check out more of our spring allergy myths and tips here - https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/news/myths-about-spring-allergies/

Today is Rare Disease Day and we pledge to continue to raise awareness about rare diseases and advocate for the impact that they have on some peoples’ lives. Allergy & Asthma Network spotlights rare diseases such as bronchiectasis, chronic idiopathic urticaria and others on our Health A-Z page.

Today on and every other day, we challenge you to take a moment and learn something new by visiting our Health A-Z page - https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/health-a-z/

Spring is creeping up on us! What are you most excited for this spring? Whether it’s rain or fresh air or celebrating your friends and family we want you to be prepared! Check out our weather forecast tool that allows you to input any zip code and find the allergy, asthma, and flu index for months in advance. www.allergyasthmanetwork.org/weather

Planning a vacation with a child who has asthma? Are you looking for information to help you plan and prepare for the trip? Tune into episode 3 of our Kids Breathe Better podcast to hear pediatric nurse Jodie Stabinski, RN give tips and strategies to managing asthma on the go. 🫁🚗✈️

Questions to be answered:
• What asthma management tools do I need to pack?
• What should I research about the travel destination before going?
• Why is the Asthma Action Plan so important?
• And more!

Listen now - https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/podcasts/childhood-asthma-travel-friends/

Do you, your child or someone you love have an allergy to peanuts? What if there was a treatment option that could build up tolerance to peanuts? Well, there is - Peanut Allergy Immunotherapy. Peanut Allergy Immunotherapy is considered a treatment, not a cure, for peanut allergy. 🥜

Peanut Allergy Immunotherapy desensitizes the body to the allergen. The treatment starts with a tiny amount of peanut protein, and then gradually increases to larger amounts. This treatment is done to help minimize the occurrence and severity of allergic reactions.

Talk to your doctor or allergist about Oral Immunotherapy as you consider if this is a good step to take for yourself or your child. To learn more about the types of Peanut Allergy Immunotherapy, the Pros and Cons, and more, visit: https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/health-a-z/immunotherapy/peanut-allergy-treatment/